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Husay Balangay Technical Working Group

Zaldy Masangkay, NBOOSimeon Garcia, NBOOLevesita Daumar, NBOOElizabeth Castro, NBOOEsmeralda Daphne Purnell, LGAApolinar Diana, LGAEuly Enrique, LGAHannah Lyda Mannag, LGA

LGA Technical Management TeamSilvestre Barrameda Jr.Myra GialogoArturo Morales III

Edited by:Jasmine Sabrina J. Rombaoa

Cover Design:Iris Igrobay

Layout by:Gary Paulo B. Mercado

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“ Islands of good practices to an archipelago of good governance through the balangay.”

ISSN 1655-7328Husay BalangayKalipunan ng mga Malikhaing Pamamaraan at Karanasan sa Pagpapaunlad at Pamamahala ng mga Barangay2012 Edition

Articles may be used for education and training purposes only. When using articles from this compilation, the credit line “Articles from Husay Balangay Kalipunan ng mga Malikhaing Pamamaraan at Karanasan sa Pagpapaunlad at Pamamahala ng mga Barangay” should be mentioned somewhere

Compiled and published byLocal Government Academy8th and 9th Floor Agustin I Building, F. Ortigas Jr. Rd, Ortigas CenterPasig City, Philippines

With Financial SupportEuropean UnionStrengthening LGRCs as Harmonizing Mechanism for Effective Local Governance Project

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Good Governance and Anti-Corruption

Grupong KatuwangBrgy. Sto. Cristo, Angeles City

Information Technology-Based Barangay Operations SystemBrgy. New Banicain, Olongapo City

Hinun-anon sa BarangayBrgy. Tambaliza, Ilo-ilo

Human Development and Poverty Reduction

Special Endowment for Education and Development (SEED for Success)Brgy. Pulung Cacutud, Angeles City

Parista Barangay Defense System Multi-Purpose CooperativeBrgy. Parista, Lupao, Nueva Ecija

Anak ni Isidro Community-Based Rehabilitation CenterBrgy. Bagumbayan, Pililla, Rizal

Barangay Gulayan Tungo sa KalusuganBrgy. Tadlong, Sagay City, Negros Occidental

Developing Community’s Productivity Through Livelihood ProgramBrgy. Cupang, Muntinlupa City

Literacy ProgramBrgy. Dalig, Antipolo City

Barangay Bakery ProjectBrgy. Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro CityHuman Development and Poverty Reduction

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Brgy. Improgo, Banga, South Cotabato

Green RevolutionBrgy. Libas, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

Livelihood ProgramsBrgy. Don Jose, Sta. Rosa City

School on Wheels to Relevant Education Access Program (SOW to REAP)Brgy.Tagapo, Sta. Rosa City

Economic Development

D’yario BagsBrgy. New Zaniga, Mandaluyong City

Security, Justice and Peace

Mobile Barangay Public Safety OfficesBrgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City

Effective Implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay ProgramBrgy. Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City

Katarungang PambarangayBrgy. Bailan, Pontevedra, Capiz

Environment

Materials Recovery FacilityBrgy. San Miguel, Lubao, Pampanga

From Ugly Duckling to a Beautiful Swan…Barangay San Marcos’ Journey to Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM)Brgy. San Marcos, Isabela

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Barangay Vegetable Garden NurseryBrgy. Bantug, Roxas, Isabela

Solid Waste Management ProgramBrgy. Horsehoe, Quezon City

Ecological Solid Waste Management ProgramBrgy. Bagumbahay, Quezon City

Happy Soil Technology Thrives Brgy. Philam, Quezon City

Ecological Solid Waste Management ProgramBrgy. Dalig, Antipolo City

Save the Mother Earth ProgramBrgy. Lingsat, City of San Fernando, La Union

Solid Waste Management ProgramBrgy. Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City

Marine SanctuaryBrgy. Calag-itan, Southern Leyte

Solid Waste Management ProgramBrgy. Francisco Homes Yakal, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

Save Maningning ProjectBrgy. Sta. Ana, Taytay, Rizal

Adopt a Lot, Sagip Kalikasa, Sagip KabuhayanBrgy. Tagapo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Best Sanitation PracticeBrgy. Tagabase, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur

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“The beginning is the most important part of the work”. - Plato

One of the most difficult parts of a project is the beginning. It

is quite difficult to start with something. Sometimes we get hesitant.

We fear that we might fail at the beginning. We are too conscious of

what might happen next. This kind of attitude pulls us down. This

kind of attitude keeps us from progressing.

Taking chances can help us move on. It helps us move forward.

Taking chances started the 32 projects featured in this edition of

Husay Balangay. Husay Balangay is a publication that showcases the

best practices in barangays all over the Philippines. The goal of this

publication is to inspire other local governments to begin, innovate

and create good practices with their respective barangays.

The barangays showcased in this publication spearheaded

projects categorized in five governance areas – good governance

and anti-corruption; human development and poverty reduction;

economic development; security, justice and peace; and environment.

The Local Government Academy, in partnership with the National

Barangay Operations Office, organized the Husay Balangay Project by

compiling these barangay best practices and selecting the submissions

that are worthy for publication. The selection of featured barangay

best practices was based on the following criteria – participation

(community ownership transparency, accountability, and free from

corruption), sustainability (with continuing mechanisms), impact

to the life of the people in the community, innovation (pioneering

creativity, continuing improvement), and replicability.

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As you would read the projects featured in Husay Balangay,

you will be inspired on how all of them started out small. All projects

started by beginning to address current societal issues. All of them

had difficult beginnings; however, each barangay strived to continue

the project that they started. Making them proud of their success and

worthy of having their project published for this edition of Husay

Balangay.

This simple attitude of beginning makes these barangays

extraordinary. These small beginnings just show how good their

barangays are, samakatwid ipinapakita ang Husay ng kanilang Barangay.

“There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth…not going all

the way, and not starting.” - Buddha

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Barangay Sto. Cristo is one of the 33 barangays of the City

of Angeles. Bounded in the north by Barangay Lourdes Sur East

and Salapungan in the South; Barangay. Sto. Rosario, in the East;

Barangay Mining and Pulungbulu; and Brgy. Lourdes Sur in the west.

It has a total population of 5,950, of which 2,353 are registered voters,

with 16 precincts and total number of households of 870. With a land

area of 1,536 square kilometers, Barangay Sto Cristo is categorized as

one of the smallest barangays of the City. It was known in the 50’s as

Patirik-tirik (a kind of bird that dwells in the fields of sugarcane that

was planted then abundantly by farmers), a cemetery and burial place

for the less privileged, and was later on was named Sto. Cristo, the

patron saint of the community.

Good governance is the result of a barangay management’s

respect of transparency, accountability, honesty and establishment of

responsive and effective system. In April of the year 2011 the Barangay

Council enacted and approved a resolution , the establishment of a

Community Purok – Based Peoples Organization in all of the eight

puroks in the barangay. Its objective is to strengthen the people’s

participation in charting and planning their concerns and social

opinions, comments and suggestions, regarding issues and demands.

This was named GRUPONG KATUWANG.

Grupong Katuwang: A Purok-Based Development Council of Brgy. Sto. Cristo, Angeles City

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It is headed by a president, a vice-president and committee

representatives in the sector of business, youth, the Senior Citizens,

women, and academe. The Barangay Kagawad and purok leader in

charge of the area serve as counsel and representative of the Punong

Barangay and the Barangay Council.

This group holds meeting before the last regular session of

the Barangay Council, which is the last Friday every month. Output

and results are then transmitted by the purok leaders and become a

part of the session agents for their resolutions. Groupong Katuwang

becomes the corner stone of disseminating programs, projects and

other information related to their social welfare and developments.

Each purok is also given opportunity to conduct their own Purok-

based Community Development Council planning in the barangay.

Because of this program, the barangay has a more

comprehensive, responsive and effective Barangay Development Plan

for Annual Investment and the Good Governance. Each of the Purok

leaders and constituents are empowered to lead their

small communities and sustain the development in their

area. The community members developed a sense of

ownership in their area and has become more active in

supporting barangay activities.

“The

community

members

developed

a sense of

ownership in

their area...”

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Vital to sustainable development of a barangay are its people.

Without their support and participation, good governance cannot

be achieved. They should not just be beneficiaries but partners in

responsive and effective governance. As a great man addressed, “and

that government of the people, by the people, for the people should not

perish from the Earth” people should be empowered and take part in

government projects.

Barangay Santo Cristo, Angeles City, PampangaPunong Barangay Efren Dela Cruz

Documenter: Carlito M. CastroContact Information: (045) 6247455

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Banicain is a barangay of the highly urbanized Olongapo City

in the province Zambales in Central Luzon which is part of the Luzon

group of islands. Banicain had 6,991 residents by the end of 2007.

System of documentation in barangays used to be manual. Such filing

system is inefficient, slow and susceptible to red tape. This used to be

the problem of Brgy. New Banicain, Olongapo City. However, they

came up with a system to help them in governance.

The Information Technology-Based Barangay Operations

System of Brgy. New Banicain improved the systems and procedures

in the delivery of frontline services. The System computerizes and

links the records of barangay inhabitants, registered voters, Lupong

Tagapamayapa, and issuance of barangay and business clearance.

The interlinking of the records made barangay administration more

effective and efficient.

Customers requesting barangay and business clearance do

not stop to bring ID pictures anymore as the System is linked to a

digital camera and the ID pictures are taken for free. This lessened the

requirements and costs for acquiring such documents.

The database generated by the System is also a reliable

reference for law enforcement agencies such as the PNP and NBI for

crosschecking purposes. The System simplified the frontline services

therefore improvised efficiency. It now requires less time to process

Brgy. New Banicain, Olongapo City: Information Technology-Based Barangay Operations System

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requests for said documents. It is also easier to track how much the

barangay generates in terms of fees because the system pre-numbers the

clearances it produces. Anyone will just refer to the reference number

to know how much fees are collected. Only bonafide residents and

businesses with no derogatory records are granted barangay clearances

because of the reliability of the regularly updated registry inhabitants

contained in the System.

Transparencies in all the procedures in the

System are guaranteed by greatly lessening if not

eradicating graft and corruption and earning public

trust. More people are now getting barangay

clearance from the barangay instead of trying to

get one from the neighboring barangay.

Since graft and corruption are eliminated

and more people are acquiring clearance from the

barangay, greater income is generated. This income

is used to augment funds in delivery of public services,

thus improving the quality of the life of the residents.

The practice is easy to sustain and replicate. It only needs a

computer where the System shall be installed and the records kept.

However, it is important that the Barangay Secretary is computer-

literate as he will be the one to administer the system and make sure

that the records are updated and maintained.

Barangay New Banicain, Olongapo CityPunong Barangay Ernilizar BatapaDocumenter: Emmanuel VillanuevaContact Information: (047) 6110382

“... by greatly

lessening if not

eradicating graft

and corruption

and earning

public trust”.

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The people have the right to voice out their thoughts about the

barangay. They also have the right to hear what the barangay has in

store for their community. Brgy. Tambaliza, Ilo-ilo has come up with

Hinun-anon sa Barangay to address these needs.

This forum which aims to promote participation, transparency

and accountability in governance and prevent graft and corruption is

fully supported by CSOs and NGOs spearheaded by ICODE

NGO and Civil Society Organization for Rural Development

(CONCORD). Punong Barangay Rolinda De Julian, initiated the

move to hold the Hinun-anon in Barangay Tambaliza, as a process

to widen participation of residents in all programs and activities of

the barangay such as: (1) Barangay Development Council Meeting –

where prioritized projects are identified with maximum participation

from all sectors of the community; (2) Budget Preparation - where

budget allocations are determined with people’s participation and

approval by the Sangguniang Barangay thru an appropriations

Ordinance; (3) Policy/Decision Making - where resolutions and

ordinances are ratified by the Barangay Assembly; (4) Planning - where

the formulation of Annual Investment Program (AIP) is done with

valuable participation of residents; and (5) Evaluation & Monitoring

- where programs, projects and activities implemented are strictly

monitored and evaluated by stakeholders in the community.

Brgy. Tambaliza, Ilo-ilo: Hinun-anon sa Barangay

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Aware of the fact that the Sangguniang Bayan of the municipality

is set to pass and implement its own ordinance pushing Hinun-anon,

Punong Barangay De Julian made it happen in her own barangay. With

sincerity and excitement, she pushed through with the program, in her

belief that this activity will transform the mindset of her people from

obscurity to civic consciousness and cooperation resulting to a lighter

load for Barangay Officials. She further believes that the development

of her barangay is a shared responsibility and that is why she said

that responsibility does

not rest solely on her

shoulders and the

Sangguniang Barangay

but also on the

shoulders of each and

every Tambaliza residents. She wants to prove to the whole world

that genuine people’s participation is a catalyst for change and that the

involvement of people shall be the main reason for them to have that

sense of ownership of all the projects and initiatives implemented in

their barangay.

This forum is the first of its kind in the Municipality of Concepcion,

innovations implemented by PB De Julian, made it even more unique

from the rest of public forums held in the municipality in the sense that:

(1) a monitoring team composed of various sectors of the barangay

tasked to closely monitor all programs and projects of the barangay

has been formed through resolution; (2) a Full Disclosure Bulletin

Board is displayed in a conspicous place in the barangay during and

after the forum; and (3) a resolution was passed designating ICODE

NGO and CONCORD as facilitators of the forum.

“... transform the mindset of

her people from obscurity to

civic consciousness”

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The Hinun-anon sa Barangay employs very simple steps and

methods to effectively carry out the forum. These involves the creation

of committees from among the members of CONCORD, tasked to

facilitate the proceedings. From the same group the panelists are selected

to ask questions regarding issues and concerns, screening committee is

formed to screen questions to ensure that only relevant question and

issues are submitted and those questions which are below the belt, and

a time keeper is appointed to ensure that time limits are observed

by all participants. Moderators are appointed to guide panelists and

participants in the conduct of the forum. The mechanics of the forum

are strictly followed to ensure the quality of discussion and to arrive at

a consensus, and draw up the commitments of the participants.

The Hinun-anon sa Barangay has created an atmosphere of transparency

in the sense that this activity promoted maximum participation among

residents and their awareness regarding the accomplishments of their

elected and appointed barangay officials, programs and projects for

implementation, issues and concerns affecting them, and Annual

Investment Program (AIP) and Revenue Collection are widened. The

forum also serves as a venue where residents can clarify issues and

submit suggestions that they think would improve their community.

“... promoted maximum participation

among residents and their awareness

regarding the accomplishments”

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Since this public forum is relevant to good governance,

the Sangguniang Barangay led by Punong Barangay Rolinda

de Julian approved an ordinance institutionalizing Hinun-

anon sa Barangay in Brgy. Tambaliza. The said ordinance will

ensure the sustainability of the project. And with the support

of ICODE NGO and CONCORD, Hinun-anon will be part

and parcel of Barangay governance in Barangay Tambaliza.

This practice has been replicated in two barangays of the Municipality

of Concepcion, namely Brgy. Macalbang on October 28, 2011 and Brgy.

Plandico on November 24, 2011. With the holding

of the forum in said barangays, the transformation

of Barangay Officials and the residents was evident

in the way they handled controversial issues and

questions raised by their respective residents. The

apparent democratic space created by the Hinun-

anon gave a lot of positive reactions from the

residents who are now free to air their grievances

and concerns without fear of repercussions. Some

kagawads for example are no longer afraid to face

and answer complaints after they have experienced

how it is done in the Hinun-anon.

Proof that Hinun - anon is a laudable project is the Plaque of

Recognition awarded to Brgy. Tambaliza by the Municipal Mayor of

the Municipality of Concepcion on October 24, 2011 and ICODE

NGO, a strong supporter of the activity on September 22, 2011.

“...democratic

space created

by the Hinun-

anon gave a

lot of positive

reactions from

the residents”

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Using Hinun-anon sa Barangay as a tool to carry out their plans

and programs, PB Rolinda de Julian and the Sangguniang Barangay

of Brgy. Tambaliza can effectively get their message across and ensure

that implementation of programs, projects and activities are free of

irregularities for the good of their barangay.

Barangay Tambaliza, Concepcion, Iloilo Punong Barangay Rolinda de Julian

Documenter: Carlito O. CarreraContact Information: 09395032408

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In the course of 1999 Barangay Development Council meetings,

it has been noted that the school drop-out cases increases every year

primarily due to family financial burden of the citizens in Brgy.

Cacutud. The out-of-school youths in the community are most likely

driven to become street children, young parents, juvenile delinquents,

and victims of child exploitation.

PB Antontio Trinidad, then a kagawad and an advocate

of quality education filed a Barangay Ordinance,t entitled Special

Endowment for Education and Development (SEED), to address

this concern. The ordinance was unanimously approved by the

Sangguniang Barangay. The project gave hope to the less fortunate

youths of the barangay, since it was designed to benefit 100 high school

and 20 college students.

The implementation of this program was temporarily derailed

when the City Government declared it illegal on the ground that the

barangay has no power particularly granted solely to higher LGUs

under RA 7160. Ultimately, the legal basis in enacting this ordinance

was upheld with the issuance of DILG Regional Legal Opinion No.

23 dated November 23, 2002. Since 2000 up to present, the barangay

automatically appropriates budget as prescribed under Section 4 of

Barangay Ordinance No. 06-01s of 2001.

Brgy. Pulung Cacutud, Angeles City: Special Endowment for Education and Development (SEED for Success)

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The council is very objective in the selection process by

choosing only the qualified and deserving applicants through a

screening committee. Payment of matriculation or tuition fees for the

scholars shall be directly addressed to the school

concerned.

The seed of success sown by the Sangguniang

Barangay of Pulung Catacud, Angeles City

has already produced hundreds of graduates.

Since the author of the SEED Ordinance was

elected as Punong Barangay in 1997, the slots

for college scholars increased from 20 to 50 slot.

The SEED was considered one of the Best Practice on

Barangay Governance in Angeles City and received a Certificate of

Commendation from DILG Angeles City for their innovativeness.

Today, a number of barangays in Angeles City are in the process of

adopting this program in their barangays.

Barangay Pulung Cacutud, Angeles City, PampangaPunong Barangay Antonio Lauc Trinidad

Documenter: Ruchelle SemsemContact Information: (045) 8933199

“The seed of

success sown...

already produced

hundreds of

graduates”.

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Parista is a barangay of Lupao in the province Nueva Ecija in

Central Luzon. The barangay houses a population of rebel returnees

who pledged allegiance to the government. These rebel returnees wish

to have a normal life as they start serving the National Government.

The Mushroom Production Project of the Barangay Defense

System Multi-Purpose Cooperative PBDS-MPC in Brgy. Parista,

Lupao, Nueva Ecija showcases the bayanihan spirit. With the

objective to help rebel returnees and sympathizers start a new life,

the military through the 71st Infantry Battalion helped organize the

community. The Cooperative was formed on April 16, 2007 with 98

initial members. Through technical assistance provided by the DTI,

the SMED Council of Nueva Ecija, DAR, the DOLE and the Central

Luzon State University, who taught the pioneer members the latest

mushroom technology, and using seed money of P55,000.00 for spawn

production, the Cooperative ventured into mushroom propagation,

starting with 2,000 fruiting bags. To conserve its resources, the

Cooperative built the needed growing huts and gathered sawdust and

rice straw – raw materials for growing mushrooms - through bayanihan.

PBDS-MPC’s thrust is also to provide livelihood assistance

and skills generation and development for its members as they are

integrated back to the mainstream of the society. In a report by DOLE

Parista Barangay Defense System Multi-Purpose Cooperative

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Regional Director Leopoldo De Jesus to Labor Secretary Rosalinda

Dimapilis-Baldoz, the cooperative was already a previous recipient of

the DILP in 2008.

The cooperative was given an initial capital assistance for

their mushroom production, a project which eventually became a

sustainable livelihood for the cooperative through the joint efforts of

the regional DOLE, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),

the 81st IB7ID of the Philippine Army (PA), Brgy. Parista, and the

municipal government of Lupao.

Today, the Cooperative supplies mushrooms to the Public

Market and malls in nearby San Jose City, and is visited by future

growers from other towns and provinces as far away as Bataan, and

became a venue for skills training. Some 25 families are benefited

by this Project, deriving a net average monthly income of P5,000 to

P6,000.

Recognized by the DTI as “One Town, One Product” of

the municipality of Lupao, it was adjudged “Outstanding Enterprise

for the Year 2010” by the DTI and the SMED

Council of Nueva Ecija, and received the

“SME Star Rising Award” under the Micro

Enterprise Category – the first ever recipient in

Nueva Ecija of this award. On September 28,

2011 a Kiosk was opened to cater several dishes

of mushrooms.

“... provide

livelihood

assistance

and skills

generation and

development for

its members”

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The municipal government of Lupao has pledged more

assistance for the project in recognition of its potentials as a major

livelihood undertaking for the people of Lupao.

Barangay Parista, Lupao, Nueva EcijaPunong Barangay Dominador V. Costales

Documenter: Blesilda E. VeliliaContact Information: 09061567262

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Brgy. Bagumbayan, Pililla, Rizal: Anak ni Isidro Community - Based Rehabilitation Center

Pililla is a first class urban municipality in the Province of

Rizal, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population

of 45,275 people in 9,001 households. Pililla is just few kilometers

away from Tanay, Rizal. It is surrounded by farms, small mountains,

planes and trees. Its nearby provinces are Laguna and Quezon. Brgy.

Bagumbayan is one of its constituting barangay located at the central

vicinity of the town proper. It is a fast developing barangay and now

the seat of governance of the municipality. It is also known for housing

the municipality’s prime of education system like the state university

which is the University of Rizal System Pililla Campus, primary, and

secondary institutions.

The Anak ni Isidro- Community Based Rehabilitation (ANI-

CBR) Center intends to cater persons with disability or any impairment

that hinders their capacity to perform or function to their day to day

activities. It is adopted by Brgy. Bagumbayan as its pioneering project

to support the need of persons with disabilities within the area and is

now at Pililla Veteran’s Hall located at M. A. Roxas St. corner Mla.

East Road, Brgy. Bagumbayan, Pililla, Rizal. The Center is located in

a 30 sq. meter foot structure wherein the War Veterans Organization

Members conduct their activities.

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Since the location of this community is 57 km. away from

Manila, wherein most of the services for rehabilitation can be obtained,

many persons with disability or in need of therapeutic intervention

cannot afford to obtain and sustain the need. The project is designed

to cater to persons with disabilities who cannot afford to avail therapy

intervention from private clinics and practitioners. Most cases that

benefited from the CBR center are patients who suffer from stroke,

cerebral palsy, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, adhesive capsulitis, low

back pains and other related conditions that contribute to the limitation

of functions of an individual. It is also intended to provide remedial

classes to children with learning difficulty and developmental delays

through the volunteer day care teachers.

The ANI-CBR Center provides therapy services like

occupational therapy and physical therapy. It also gives reflexology

and therapeutic massage to those in need. A cognitive stimulation

class entitled “Head Start Program” that provides children who are

with special needs and especially those with learning difficulties or

retardation and with developmental delays. Counseling and caregiver’s

education were also given to patients and other persons in need. Most

of the patients with various different conditions were examined and

evaluated by a volunteer medical doctor in a monthly basis.

The project which is only on its first year of operation had served

indigent persons with disabilities and limitations to their functions,

and was guided with its objectives which are as follows: generally, to

provide basic therapeutic services to persons in need of therapeutic

intervention and provide education to caregivers and families, and also

to educate the public to prevent further disability.

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Specific objectives are: (1) to provide basic therapeutic

intervention to persons who are in need; (2) to facilitate proper

knowledge and approach of the condition and their disability; (3) to

educate volunteers on the different approaches and treatment strategies;

(4) to educate family members and caregivers on the condition and the

disability of the patient; (5) to provide information to the public on

how to prevent in acquiring disability and other condition that may

lead to further disability or impairment; (6) to provide counseling to

patients, families and to those individual who are in need.

With its existence, the ANI CBR Center had served almost

60 regular clients and several walk-in patients that seek therapeutic

intervention. It has been also a venue for various related programs

such as pre-vocational and livelihood trainings, bloodletting programs

and other programs that support the needs of the clients and also their

families.

The center started with the initiative of their Barangay

Captain who is a registered occupational therapist and his friends

who are physical therapists and reflexologists. Through the help of the

Sangguniang Barangay of Bagumbayan, Pililla, Rizal, by explaining

the needs and benefits of this project to the council, it was approved

unanimously through a Resolution No. 2010-07 dated August 1,

2010 allowing the establishment of Community Based Rehabilitation

Center at Brgy. Bagumbayan. The project was initially funded with

a minimal amount of Php 5,000.00 to start with its operation. The

volunteer therapists agreed to operate 3 times a week on Mondays-

Wednesdays-Thursdays from 8:00 am – 12:00 noon, wherein patients

from the vicinity of Brgy. Bagumbayan and other nearby barangays

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drop by at the clinic to seek therapeutic intervention. Sustainability of

the operations came from the efforts of its volunteers to ask donations

from their friends and other stakeholders to support the needs for

intervention like alcohols, blood pressure apparatus, cottons and oils

and many others. Lists of donors and their corresponding donations

were reported every time the clinic celebrates special occasions like

Christmas Party and Anniversary. They were invited as a means of

gratitude with their good deeds.

As of today, with its continuing service

and operation, ANI – CBR Center was admired

by some of the local barangay officials who

expressed their intention of replicating the set-

up to their respective barangays. Negotiations are

still hanged-up until finalization of the process

of putting up alike was placed into final. Private

individuals, local organizations and even foreign

NGO’s visited the center for adoption and

affiliations.

ANI – CBR Center can be considered as one of the best

practice and a pioneering innovation in this barangay, since it is the

only and first community based rehabilitation center that is operated

and sustained by the local government of Brgy. Bagumbayan and

also a self- supporting center that operates with the initiative and help

of its stakeholders from the community. It operates with the help of

seven volunteers, two occupational therapists, two physical therapists,

two nurses, two resident visiting medical doctors and a psychologist.

Volunteers whole heartedly lend their time and knowledge and skills

“...helps the

patients gain

strength

and sense

of worth to

continue living

functionally”

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to provide appropriate intervention to those in need. They also

exchange ideas and thoughts and even techniques to uplift their

skills and knowledge in dealing with their patients and help them

improve its present condition. By providing therapy and other related

services like medical missions, bloodletting and pre- vocational and

livelihood trainings helps the patients gain strength and sense of worth

to continue living functionally. It also served as a venue to help their

family members gain additional skills and opportunity that can be

used for additional source for a living.

Barangay Bagumbayan, Pililla, RizalPunong Barangay Dindo Martinez Abueg

Documenter: Josephine Ramiriez

Contact Information: 3409332 / 3403627

21

Brgy. Tadlong is one of the 25 barangays of Sagay City, Negros

Occidental. It is located 11 km. from the city proper with a total land

area of 1,904.45 ha. It has a population of 3,005 based on the 2010

actual survey and a total household of 646. As a rural barangay, it can

be considered as a depressed community where most of its residents

are laborers in sugarcane farms while some engage in small farming

and livelihood projects.

Since most households survive with a minimum income,

malnutrition has become a perennial problem in the barangay. In 2007

it has 107 malnourished children and ranked 2nd among 25 barangays

in malnutrition prevalence rate. In 2009, it decreased to 48 children

however it ranked 2nd again in 2010 with 59 malnourished children

because of some families that migrated to the place. There were also

some newborns that have birth deformities.

In late 2009, Punong Barangay Roberto S. Hecita, Jr. started

to cultivate 2.5 ha out of the 15.20 ha of land that the Sagay City

Government purchased at Brgy. Tadlong. With the permission of

former mayor, now governor, Hon. Alfredo G. Maranon, Jr., PB Hecita

cultivated the land with his own personal money. Among his expenses

included PhP 25,000.00 for cultivation and development of the 2.5 ha,

PhP 5,000.00 for the seeds and fertilizers and PhP 20,000.00 for daily

cultivation and nursery. His first harvest produced not less than one ton

of corn, three tons of squash, 50 kilos of cucumber, 55 kilos of pechay,

Brgy. Tadlong, Sagay City, Negros Occidental : Barangay Gulayan Tungo sa Kalusugan:Brgy. Tadlong, Sagay City, Negros Occidental

22

37.5 kilos of ampalaya, 29.16 kilos of eggplant and other vegetable

products. Corn and other produce were used for the daily feeding

program while the rests of the harvest were sold at the local market

and Bacolod City. The income was used to sustain the daily feeding

program from Monday to Friday. The daily feeding costs more or less

PhP 1,000.00, wherein not only the identified malnourished children

were the beneficiaries but also those children from the underprivileged

that totals to more or less 100 being fed daily. The usual menu prepared

for a day are: 10 kilos of corn, 3 kilos of beef/chicken liver, 2 kilos of

monggo, malunggay and some other corn products locally known as

“alupi” and other delicacies cooked by the parents of the malnourished

children and the Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS).

During the feeding program, vitamins were

also provided to malnourished children. The fund was

taken from the income earned by the barangay gulayan.

Furthermore, the income augmented the other expenses

of the BNS, like the transportation cost in getting the

fresh milk ration of the city government, the Pabasa

expenses and other advocacy endeavours.

Another notable strategy that ensures access of barangay

residents to healthy food is to make vegetable available in every sari-

sari store in the barangay at a minimum price like the squash which is

being sold at PhP 5.00 per kilo. Other vegetable in the gulayan were

also given for free to the indigent residents to supplement their food

consumption.

“... Ensures

access of

barangay

residents to

healthy food”

23

The PhP 50,000.00 personal contribution of Hon. Hecita

has immensely improved the nutritional status of the children in the

barangay. He allocates PhP 1,000.00 for the daily feeding for more

than a year a already starting June 2010 up to the present. Meaning,

the barangay has already spent more than PhP 240,000.00 for a year’s

feeding program. It has indeed sustained the nutrition program of the

barangay while the income also continues to sustain the cultivation and

production of the gulayan.

This effort has caused the drop in the rate of malnourished

children from 59 in 2010 to 16 children in the month of January 2011

with the absence severely malnourished children. From rank 2 in 2010,

Brgy. Tadlong dropped to rank 20 out of 25 barangays in malnutrition

prevalence rate.

Hon. Hecita is not a wealthy politician. He is just an ordinary

person with a heart of a servant leader. He is sincere, honest and has

a vision for his people. Sharing his blessings improves the nutritional

status of the children at the same time he gains the trust and respect

of his constituents. His sincerity to serve his people especially those in

need has gained full support from his barangay kagawads, appointive

officials and above all the people.

Barangay Tadlong, Sagay City, Negros OccidentalPunong Barangay Roberto Hecita, Jr.

Documenter: Maria Nove A. Mejica

Contact Information: 09081648947/ 09182242230

24

Brgy. Cupang, Muntinlupa City: Human Development and Poverty Reduction “Developing Community’s Productivity Through Livelihood Program”

Brgy. Cupang is one of the nine barangays of Muntinlupa City.

It has a land area of 5.370 sq km with a projected population of 74,560

(for 2012). It is one of the barangays in the city lying along Laguna de

Bay.

Brgy. Cupang started its livelihood project dubbed as “Pera sa

Water Lily” in 2007. The project was the initiative of Punong Barangay

Celso C. Dioko to address the problem of water hyacinths clogging

the Alabang-Cupang River and invading the Laguna de Bay. Water

crammed full of these plants is not good for the fishing industry not to

mention that these plants are perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

The project started with an initial capital of PhP10,000.00

provided by the barangay. The project is manned by 13 trained female

barangay staff led by a livelihood coordinator designated by the

barangay. These women are in-charge of the production and marketing

of the finished products. The water lilies are delivered to the livelihood

center by residents interested to earn extra income. The barangay pays

PhP 0.50 per fresh stalk and PhP 1.00 per dried stalk. A banca load of

plant is paid by the barangay at PhP 300.00 per banca. The stalks are

dried and processed then turned into bags, slippers, caps, placemats,

headbands and decor. When the demand for the products is high, the

processing of stalks is sub-contracted to residents, mostly women.

25

“... an

effective

channel

for these

residents

to be

productive,

increase

their income,

and make

them self

reliant”.

The project became an effective channel for these residents to be

productive, increase their income, and make them self reliant.

Since 2007, four years after the livelihood project has been

established, more or less 400 community members have been benefiting

from this barangay project, the breakdown of which as follows: 13

female barangay staff presently managing the program;

about 100 women as harvester of waterlilies and sub

contractors; 40 to 50 male employees of Bantay Lawa

as harvesters; 100 students and unemployed residents

as harvesters and subcontractors; and 100 fishermen as

harvesters.

The livelihood project succeeded in providing

additional income to above-cited community residents

helping them make both ends meet. Mostly benefiting

from the project are women from the depressed areas

of the barangay who used to gamble, gossip and quarrel

among themselves during their extra time. The project has

not only solved the presence of these invasive plants in

waterways and the lake but has been provided a promising

livelihood venture for Brgy. Cupang residents. It also

became the fishermen’s additional source of income.

When the catch is low, they resort to reaping of waterlilies.

The continuous harvesting of waterlilies likewise helps

in the prevention and control of dengue in the barangay.

Incidence of dengue is one of the main concerns of the barangay. As of

November 2011, nine former barangay staff involved in the operation

of the livelihood program has successfully established their respective

businesses. These businesses surely help generate employment.

26

“...advancement

of the worker’s

skills and

knowledge

to make the

products globally

competitive”.

The project was self-sustaining. From the PhP 10,000.00

initial capital, the livelihood project has already been making an

average annual net profit of about PhP 120,000.00. The barangay has

been continuously enhancing the skills of the women operating the

project on designing, marketing, treatment of water lilies, lamination

etc. through attendance to various trainings

and seminars spearheaded by DOST, DTI,

etc. to further improve the quality of their

products. From baskets, their products have

now expanded to other useful items like

bads, slippers, caps, placemats, headbands,

and decor.

The barangay did not have a difficult

time marketing the finished products.

Caritas Manila is a regular customer of the barangay and the same

is being displayed/sold in their bazaar. Residents are also welcome to

sell finish products through consignment basis. A Japan-based former

resident of the barangay is introducing/selling the product specifically

slippers in the Japanese market.

Aside from the finished products, the center has been doing

good business selling raw materials to other manufacturers. Presently,

they are delivering stalks husks (processed water lily stalks) to a

manufacturer in Valenzuela City. The stalk husks are used by said the

manufacturer as material for making wallpaper.

The center is now equipped with two units of high speed sewing

machine, one unit of manual sewing machine, and other equipment

needed in the production. All the equipments and materials needed

27

“...uplifting the

living condition of

the marginalized

sector within the

barangay”.

have been acquired out of the profit gained.

The barangay has entrusted the overall management of the

livelihood project to the 13 barangay staff with minimal assistance from

them. The barangay government continuously

researches for the advancement of the worker’s

skills and knowledge to make the products

globally competitive.

Regular inventory and audit are being

done to ensure that the operation is being

handled well. The Punong Barangay is being

furnished with monthly financial report to

keep him updated of the status of operation of the project.

This livelihood project has been a source of pride for the

Barangay Government of Cupang. The success being enjoyed by the

barangay with the implementation of this noble endeavor has measured

up with the thrust of uplifting the living condition of the marginalized

sector within the barangay. It is with great prestige that among the nine

barangays of Muntinlupa, only Brgy. Cupang has a flourishing and

well-sustained livelihood program.

Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City

Punong Barangay Celso DiokoDocumenter: Bernadette Ferino

Contact Information: 8506474/ 8503259

28

Brgy. Dalig is bounded on the north by Brgy. San Jose, on

the east by the town of Teresa Rizal, on the south by the Town of

Angono, Rizal and on the west by Brgy. San Roque. The barangay

is approximately 2- kilometer distance from the City proper and 20

kilometers from the Provincial Capitol. The barangay can be accessed

from down town via Circumferential Road, Antipolo-Teresa Road,

M.L. Quezon Extension and Barangay Mahabang Parang, Angono

Rizal. Its total area of 406.48 ha represents 1.05 percent of the

entire land area of the City of Antipolo with a population density of

approximately 11,800 inhabitants per square kilometer.

To further improve the literacy among its constituents, Brgy.

Dalig launched a multi-faceted literacy program. Each face of the

project has different techniques used to promote literacy among the

constituents of Brgy. Dalig.

The project on literacy through Alternative Learning System

(ALS) aims to help decrease, if not totally eradicate the drop-outs in

both elementary and secondary levels and to increase the retention

rate in the formal education system. It caters to the basic literacy needs

of children, youth and adults who have dropped out from the school

due to poverty.

The barangay also has a project on literacy through Information

Communication Technology (ICT). At today’s stage of development,

and with the increasing state-of-the-art technology, Brgy. Dalig

Brgy. Dalig, Antipolo City: Literacy Program

29

introduces the Information Communication Technology (ICT) to respond

to the rapidly changing needs of the present governance.

A literacy for the Pre- Schoolers was also launched. Brgy. Dalig

also believes that a child deserves the best care and attention on the family

and community levels. Towards this end, Brgy. Dalig established six day

care centers; all are properly illuminated and ventilated. The barangay

scrutinizes the qualification, training, and accreditation of the barangay

day care workers and the standards for the implementation of the total

development and protection of children program.

Since education leads to livelihood, Brgy. Dalig linked literacy

to its livelihood program. The Barangay Government of Dalig has now

prioritized an improved business climate, infrastructure development,

and public-private partnerships. Investment in human capital and social

protection is another critical pillar addressed by the Government to

improve the livelihoods of the poor.

To begin with, Brgy. Dalig Government researched the practices

in the community (or, why it is the way it is), determined what the

constituents want to change (by comparing our barangay to similar cities/

states/countries and finding the best practices on that issue), choose a

specific policy to advocate for, and advocate for a change.

Those who are most privileged are more equipped to make sense

of and use information that they have access to. If you want information

access because you want a better informed citizenry and a fairer society,

you must start embracing the importance of information literacy and the

need to provide infrastructure to help people build these skills.

Information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning. It is

common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels

of education. It enables learners to master content and extend their

30

investigations, become

more self-directed,

and assume greater

control over their own

learning.

The community is

also part of implementing

this project. Active

involvement of LGU and

people in the community particularly

the youth was encouraged. The barangay established partnership,

coordinative linkage and networking with various sectors of civil

society and lead agencies of the government. Visual documentation for

evaluation and monitoring was done since the project should be well

documented and shared with other practitioners for policy planning

and formulation.

Brgy. Dalig has developed its own pool of trainors to augment

the training needs in livelihood, and financial management. Lady

kagawads were sent to Technological Livelihood and Resource Center

(TLRC) for training and accreditation.

Without livelihood, there is little hope for real change. The

Barangay livelihood program seeks to help many recipients of other

programs by training them with marketable job skills that will better

equip them to become self-sufficient.

Alleviated clienteles’ way of living enhanced their learning

capability and reduced the number of illiterate in the barangay. To

eradicate poverty and improve the standard of the stakeholders lives,

entrepreneurial skills have enabled a number of learners to establish

“... embracing

the importance of

information literacy

and the need to provide

infrastructure to help

people build these

skills”.

31

income-generating projects. In addition, improvements in literacy have

led to changes in general life styles and behavior of participants. More

citizens of Brgy. Dalig are now able to independently conduct their

business.

To sustain the project, budget was allocated to pursue basic

computer education for the out-of-school youth and adult citizens

through adoption of information communication technology for

community empowerment. Construction of Community Learning

and Resource Center, Day Care Centers and additional school houses

that is geared towards accelerating delivery of basic services.

In order to ensure the sustainability of the program, there is

a need for sector-wide and cross-sectoral support, including support

from political leaders at all levels, employers in the private and public

sectors, government agencies, youth and women’s organizations and

donors.

Brgy. Dalig was one of the recipients of ICT Tools and

technological devices to be used in NFE. UNESCO-SEAMEO also

conducted training to barangay personnel to enhance the learning

abilities of participants in the use of ICT Tools for Community

Empowerment through the NFE. Brgy. Dalig was able to establish its

linkage with UNESCO through SEAMEO-INNOTECH.

Barangay Dalig, Antipolo CityPunong Barangay Catalino M. Leyva

Documenter: Thelma S. CandareContact Information: 6303092

32

The growing population in the rural areas increases problems

affecting women and children in Brgy. Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro

City. Hence, there was a need to establish Macasandig Barangay

Women Development Committee that hopes to address the immediate

concerns of those neglected sectors of the community – the rural

women and children. The organization will serve as an avenue in

empowering rural women and children through effective social and

economic services.

The establishment of the Barangay Bakery Project was similar

to a woman about to give birth, she cries in deep pain but as soon as her

child is born, she rejoices greatly. They started from scratch with the

support of PhP 50,000.00 worth of bakery equipments from an NGO,

Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO), with an active

support from the Barangay Local Government Unit of Macasandig,

assigning to them an area with corresponding Memorandum of

Agreement where the bakery is established as counterpart.

To insure that all transactions have transparency, all income

derived from the products and services of the bakery are posted in

the book of accounts of BDWC, properly audited and deposited in

the bank. It regularly conducts monthly board meetings and special

meetings, when necessary, to keep its members abreast on what is

happening to their programs. Membership assembly is held twice a

year.

Brgy. Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City: Barangay Bakery Project by the Barangay Women Development Council

33

All members are given equal protection from their jobs and

reminded of their duties and accountabilities. Barangay Women

Development Council Board of Directors embraces high standard in

their production may it be in the bakery or their eatery, from the taste,

to sanitation, and even to the affordability of the prices. For this reason,

the bakery’s Torta de Oro is one of the popular products of Cagayan de

Oro. To guarantee that there will be no form of corruption, an inventory

is being done daily basing from their reports of gross development of

corruption, an inventory is being done daily based on their reports

of gross development of the

bakery. Being a member of

this program does not only

entail jobs among members

but they are also enjoying the

benefits it gives among others

aside from the fact that they are learning from what they are doing and

may have the chance of having their own.

The success of the project can be traced from the hard labor

of about 300 plus unemployed mothers who are active members of

Barangay Women Development Council clustered into 15 chapters.

Five of the pioneer members already acquired their own baking

equipment, started their own business, and employed some of their

chapter members.

The bakery of the barangay has greatly contributed to the life

of its residents, especially to the BWDC Members. Firstly, “Torta de

Oro” is very affordable, twice lower than the branded kind. Children

and adults, both crave for its taste, thus making it in demand in parties,

assemblies etc. “Torta de Oro” was also one of the two products

of the City of Cagayan de Oro showcased in the recent 2011 ONE

“The bakery of the

barangay has greatly

contributed to the

life of its residents”

34

BARANGAY ONE PRODUCT held in the World Trade Center,

Pasay City on October 14-18,2011 and earned Brgy. Macasandig a

Plaque of Appreciation.

The bakery regularly produces an average of 500 pieces of

torta daily and also makes the best and delicious baked and steamed

siopao which are available at low prices. Bakery sales are more or less

PhP 10,000.00 daily.

Aside from the torta that the bakery produce they also have

the best and delicious baked and steamed siopao and “Putong Bisaya”

which the people can buy also at a very affordable price. Naturally,

the sales of the bakery boomed as the demand increases that its sales

rise up to PhP 10,000.00 daily. But the most important effect of this

project is the knowledge it has imparted to the members, that five of

the pioneering members already acquired their own baking equipment

and started a business of their own. They also employ some of their

chapter members which mean wider range of income earning women.

The Bakery Project which the Barangay has been actively

supporting managed and operated by unemployed housewives/

women, become the road to successful and business-minded

housewives/women.

“...Bakery Project...road to

successful and business-minded

housewives/women”.

35

The Barangay Bakery Project is sustainable for it is managed by

the Barangay Women Development Council of Brgy. Macasandig. It

is managed and operated by and among the unemployed housewives/

women of the barangay, thus, any change of administration can never

affect its operation for the project has its separate personality. Also, it

has been operating for more than three years and we could say that it is

financially stable and progressing that they are even looking forward to

open another project as the fruit of this project. Housewives are mostly

mothers and mothers nurture their families in the same way that these

women nurture the project as they profit for the good of many and

their families.

At present, there are already five active members managing

their own homemade “Torta de Oro,” about three bakers will follow,

awaiting funds from the soon to be established BWDC Cooperative.

College students from St. Mary’s Academy in Carmen, Cagayan de

Oro City had sent four batches of students enrolled in Culinary Arts

in three successive years to learn how to bake “Torta de Oro” for free.

Economics Students from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan had

their Official Job Training (OJT) at the Barangay Bakery. Members

of the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Clarin, Misamis Occidental

observed the livelihood projects of Macasandig BWDC. Members of

the BWDC of Brgy. Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City observed the projects

of Macasandig BWDC. Members of the BWDC of Brgy. Balulang

Cagayan de Oro City observed the Bakery Project of Macasandig

BWDC. The members of the BWDC of Municipality of Villanueva,

Misamis Oriental visited the Livelihood projects of Macasandig

BWDC.

36

The project has earned the Plaque of Appreciation from the

recent 2011 ONE BARANGAY ONE PRODUCT held at World

Trade Center, Pasay City and a recipient of various commendations

from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department

of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Barangay Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro CityPunong Barangay Aaron M. Neri, Sr.

Documenter: Nikko J. Pontipedra & Vilma Uyguangco

Contact Information: (088) 8573329 /8577837

37

Brgy. Improgo nestles in a low altitude area in the North

Eastern corner of the town proper of Municipality of Banga, Province

of South Cotabato. This place is strategically located along the river

banks of Banga River. Brgy. Improgo only owned 27 ha parcel of land

and considered to be one of the smallest among the 22 barangays of

this Municipality. During the early years of settlement, this narrow

strip of land was remarkable being a vantage point for the first market

site of the town, a place for traditional barter for the common folks.

Important events and occasions were held here such as traditional

Fiesta and the grandest New Year festival joyfully joined by all people.

Later, as a result of modernization and expansion necessary

for the rapid progress and the rise in the volume of agricultural

production, the market was transferred to a more spacious and

appropriate area. Being situated along the banks of Banga River,

Improgo is a low level area with the constant threat of flooding.

Every time rain pours heavily, some of the roads are impassable to

heavier trucks. This piece of land was threatened by soil erosion due

to massive uneven flows of water and it gets narrower by meter or two

every year. The land area of about 27 ha is of residential status. Most

of the lots are occupied thus infrastructure projects are currently

difficult to implement due to lack of required area for construction.

Various programs and projects are being done such as; bamboo

and vetiver planting came to realize through the initiative of AVLADA

and in cooperation with the households along the river banks, pandan

Brgy. Improgo, Banga, South Cotabato: Human Development and Poverty Reduction

38

propagation is strongly upheld by the Women Sector, tree planting as

annual activity of the Sangguniang Kabataan, and Barangay Initiative

program such as, installation of river control and hurdle. These project

plans and activities are made possible through a series of resolutions and

ordinances. With these endeavor, unnoticeably “Mini Forest” existed.

Through the passing of time the pandan plant vastly proliferated well

along the river banks and based on analysis and observation, pandan is

of great help in preventing soil erosion and other unexpected nature’s

wrath. The strong support for municipal administration’s “Matahum

and Matinlo” project inspires everyone to push for a more stringent

Environment Charter in Banga. With its utilization and advantage,

the Council had passed a resolution to continuously plant pandan

within the river banks, thus, with the unified effort of the community

and its local leaders, employment among unemployed women and out

of school youth were extended and delivered right through their own

homes, as pandan varieties had many uses, poverty in this community

decreases. We are making our disadvantages an asset of this locality.

Since everything found in this place seems to be “undersized” this

never hinders us from dreaming big and walking up in making our

every dreams come true. This is a clear indication that the officials

of our barangay are striving to

provide our basic

need.

Pandan Festival was created two years ago. This event is being

celebrated during the Foundation Anniversary of Brgy. Improgo,

Banga, South Cotabato. The initial festivity made a huge impact

not only to the “Improgoans” but also made a big sound to the

municipality itself. Being the first to celebrate a unique fiesta in the

“...dreaming big and

walking up in making our

every dreams come true”

39

Municipality of Banga made the local leaders carry a responsibility

to think more and share ideas for the Pandan Festival’s success. It

was not really easy back when it was commemorated; as the festival

speaks for itself the Barangay Council find it very hard to sustain the

position.

An assortment of suggestions was held at hand just to cope

up with the demand of making the festival more meaningful and well

celebrated. Some of the great ideas that made a huge impact in the

celebration was the Resolutions and Ordinances that are being passed

and approved to plant pandan inside the households of every families,

A Run for Pandan was apprehended

last May 18, 2011, this cause is for the

propagation of more pandan plants

along the river banks. Trade Fair was

installed to showcase the handicrafts

being intricately made by the Women

Sector such as bags, cellphone holder,

mats among others. Mouthwatering

pandan flavored cakes and pastries

were among the pioneering products

prepared by the local pastry-cook, these are just among the

uses and benefits of the varieties of pandan, an annual search is

participated by the local designers for the best haute couture design

made of pandan. These are just a pretty little start, and yet we are

looking forward for a brighter Pandan Festival to come.

By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 86 Improgo became a

struggling barangay, common, ordinary and average. Now on its 38th

founding anniversary, Brgy. Improgo seems to be rare, precious, valued

and loved. Local Government of Improgo is trying its best to reflect and

“This innovation

opens up doors

of opportunity

and a window

of a progressive

community.”

40

act big even if they were being called diminutive. Today Brgy.Improgo

is living its desire to extend basic services especially the reduction of

poverty among its population to the best of the people’s potentialities.

The barangay has a small Internal Revenue Allotment, but

fortunately it has citizens who are rich with talents and capabilities,

a community that is affluent with competence, and leaders who

are abundant with passion for community service, leaders who

are catalysts of change. Undeniably, Brgy. Improgo is neither an

agricultural nor an economic haven. The place is purely residential,

but through the efforts of the local leaders and the community itself,

they surely hit the mark. With the present unexplained condition of

the environment, the barangay is also experiencing deterioration with

regards to environmental issues. The fact that Brgy. Improgo is situated

along the river banks threatened the Barangay Council because almost

15 percent of the households are located near the banks. Through the

collaborative efforts of the previous elected officials, Brgy. Improgo

had been granted a concrete dike by the national government to

protect the concerned citizens.

Pandan Festival is now on its third leg, and yet the barangay is

so eager to showcase again the richness of the locality. This innovation

opens up doors of opportunity and a window of a progressive

community. Different sectors found in the barangay as spearheaded

by the Festival Committee had already passed a resolution from

the Department of Tourism that Pandan Festival be included on

the list of Province’s Festivals. This is one of the ambitious moves

that the community of Brgy. Improgo made, but the community

still believes that trying something that is appropriate doesn’t harm

everyone. The Barangay officials were delighted by the enthusiasm of

every participating groups. Such initiative will surely mean a perfect

41

representation of what Barangay Council and the people of Brgy.

Improgo are all about. Indeed through unity and dedication to work,

Brgy. Improgo will be a well-developed and progressive community in

the Municipality of Banga.

Progress could be very hard

to achieve if there is no unity within a

certain community. Brgy. Improgo is

blessed with congenial people and peace

advocate leaders who are the masters of

this barangay’s progress and achievement.

Barangay Improgo’s local government

unit is living with its desire and aspiration

to uphold its mission and vision as an

instrument in bringing the basic services

to its populace. Finally, Brgy. Improgo

is just diminutive, it is only a dot on the

municipal map and yet the citizens were

able to make a big difference and are

upholding excellence and transcending

progress for our people’s sake. Their tagline strongly speaks for their

vision, “Progreso Barangay Improgo.”

Barangay Improgo, Banga, South CotabatoPunong Barangay Minda A. Estepar

Documenter: Roman Carlo D. BlandoContact Information: (083) 2391517

“...citizens

were able to

make a big

difference and

are upholding

excellence and

transcending

progress for

our people’s

sake”.

42

A place once known in the 1970s and the 1989s as the Imelda

Settlement, a project funded by the national government in cooperation

with the German Government and implemented by the Ministry

of human Settlement, and named after former First Lady, Imelda

Romualdez Marcos, the place is located in a fertile plane right at the

foot of Mt. Bod around 15 kilometers away from the town proper of

the municipality of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. It was envisioned to

become a model community in the area, in the sense that development

efforts were not anymore centered in the urban areas but corruption,

particularly in the housing project and livelihood programs made it

more poverty-laden

In 1982 when Typhoon Besing struck hard in this place and

in 1994 when strong earthquakes shook the municipalities of Saint

Bernard, San Juan, Anahawan, Hinundayan and Hinunangan,

almost all government-made houses in this settlement site collapsed

leading to the immediate death of some inhabitants, more particularly

children; hence, residents were forced to abandon their homes and

live in makeshift shelters. What made their agony worse is that, the

underground communist movement was so strong at that time; this

condition made life more miserable to the people of Brgy. Libas, as the

residents were bullied around. Their lives were in a constant state of

fear and helplessness.

Green Revolution: A Garden to Kitchen Approach of Brgy. Libas, Hinunangan Southern Leyte

43

Hunger was a common experience in every household almost

every day because they can’t go to their respective farms to gather food,

they were afraid that they might be a victim of crossfire or misencounter

from the rebel and the government forces. This condition was only

augmented, thanks to Red Cross and the DSWD that periodically

distributed rice and sardines to them.

Due to such, most families thought that

migration to the lowland barangays and to urban

centers were the answer. Hence, almost half of its

residents abandoned Brgy. Libas.It was only in 1990s

when the communist movements weakened and

eventually died down that they started returning to

their former residence.

For those residents who had nowhere to go

except to face the challenges at home, it took them more

than two decades (1969 up to 1994) to live in terror and

havoc wrought by armed revolution initiated by the

New People’s Army (NPA). Today, after experiencing

all these miserable years, the people of Libas are now

busy fighting again for another revolution, this time

they are fighting for the Green Revolution.

The Green Revolution is a movement purposely designed to

ensure that all people of Brgy. Libas have access to food they need at all

times . Its focus is on the 97 households to grow or gather its own food

or earn money to buy enough food to provide adequate nutrition for

all its members, irrespective of gender or age all throughout the year.

Its main strategy used is the Garden to Kitchen Approach. The idea

reveals that backyard gardening is of great help in providing nutritious

“...backyard

gardening is

of great help

in providing

nutritious

food for

every

household

in the

community”

44

food for every household in the community, because if one wanted to

cook something to eat he can easily gather vegetable or root crops in

the garden and cook it in the kitchen.

Knowing the status of the government housing project in the

area, the barangay was blessed with 40 units of duplex type structures

housing 80 households granted by the Gawad Kalinga Foundation.

With the turn of events of event and with this program in place, the

former war-torn site is now a place of peace and abundance.

The barangay established linkages with the Municipal

Agriculturist Office and the Gawad Kalinga Coordinator for joint efforts

in project conceptualization and project implementation. Barangay

assemblies, seminars and consultation were likewise conducted.

Expenses were minimal. The municipal government of Hinunangan

assisted in the marketing aspect by establishing a barangay “bagsakan”

center in the poblacion area.

After three years of implementation, the people of Libas have

realized that vegetables and root crops were high value crops; thus,

instead of planting it only in their front yards and backyards they are

now busy doing medium scale vegetable and root crop farming in their

lands located in the nearby mountainous areas. As of today, they are

now one of the major suppliers of root crops, banana and vegetables in

the municipality of Hinunangan and neighboring areas. The program

increased the income of the people from PhP 45,000.00 in 2005 to PhP

66,000.00 in 2008 thereby increasing the chances of families that could

send their children to school. At present, there are 90 children that are

studying in elementary, 27 in high school and one in college, when

before the families could hardly send their children to school.

45

High prevalence of malnutrition was also experienced before

the project, but after implementation of the program there is now only

one child malnourished from five children reported before.

It also improved the lifestyles of the poeple, before the

program, there was only one motorcycle in the area, going to and from

the poblacion area, as a mode of public transport. Today, there are

about 10 individuals who own these units, considered very precious in

a remote barangay where there is no public transport.

Today, there are no incidents of crime reported to the authorities.

The people have made it a point to keep themselves busy with their

work of growing plants, particularly root crops and vegetables. The

absence of crime or criminality in the area can be attributed to the

presence of the program aimed at providing the people an environment

of peace and prosperity. The strong LGU support of the program and

the cooperation among the people of Libas has made implementation

easier and smoother.

The presence of the program and the benefits the people have

derived therefore have restored the people’s faith and pride in themselves.

When before the families would suffer from hunger, demeaning their

self-worth, now the problem on

hunger is just one own’s backyard

away. On the other hand, the

income they derive from selling

the vegetables and root cropos in

the town or nearby municipalities

is used by the families to send

their children to schools and to

buy other necessary items for their

family’s needs.

“...increasing the

chances of families

that could send

their children to

school”.

46

When this program was started, it took some time for the

Gawad Kalinga social workers, the barangay officials, Gawad Kalinga

Village officials and the municipal agriculturist to convince the people

to participate in this program. The people were hesitant to take part

in the program. The people were hesitant to take part in the program

mostly because they were made dependent on the food assistance

extended to them by the Red Cross and the DSWD in the past,

aside from the fact that they do not know what their contribution or

participation would be like; but constant prodding and explanations

about the program made them realize that after all, the program made

them realize that after all, the program was envisioned or created for

their own good.

A manifestation of the people’s strong support of the program

is by having a front and backyard garden in every household,

communal fresh prawns and Tilapia ponds, a communal garden, a

mushroom culture garden and nursery. All these were made possible

through active people’s participation. The residents of Brgy. Libas

were made to contribute as a way of counterpart, their labor from the

funds expressly set aside for the building of

these projects from the program coming

from the joint undertaking by the Gawad

Kalinga Foundation and the barangay.

The present peace and order situation of the barangay which is

having a zero crime rate in 2008 is also a strong indication that people’s

empowerment is already inculcated in the minds of the people, all of

them participate in the peace and order program of the barangay. The

program in itself was manifested by the residents’ attitude towards their

actions. They have pride in themselves for what they have and what

may be accomplished because of their participation and cooperation

“...improved the

lifestyles of the

poeple”

47

in the implementation of the program. They have developed a sense of

ownership which is indicative of the continuing success of the program.

The barangay officials and the Gawad Kalinga village officials

have made it a point that in every activity they jointly undertake involves

all household heads if not all the members of the family to participate

in the planning stage which is crucial in every undertaking. Likewise,

community members have participated in the implementation and

monitoring of the projects.

The people volunteer in all activities of the barangay. The sense

of volunteerism stemmed from the residents’ sense of ownership and

strong leadership of the implementers of the program, the officials of

both the LGU and the Gawad Kalinga Village.

One of the innovations introduced by the program is providing

a space for every household in the communal garden of the barangay

for the members to till. The household heads then were called to a

meeting and were given the specific area to work with. The purpose

is to encourage the residents to do their part wherein all the members

have the chance to work with the lot during their vacant time. In this

manner the household head who refuses to participate will be forced to

work or be compelled to because his wife and children will encourage

him to help them in the gardening. Aside from that they will be a

center of attention if only their lot will remain uncultivated. Regular

monitoring of the garden is everyone’s responsibility. The members

who were found not doing their work are constantly being reminded

to do their part. There are also persons who are always on the lookout

for the maintenance of the communal areas, the purpose of which is to

maintain the high quality growth of plants.

48

One distinguishing characteristic if

you visit this place is the beautification

they made in front of their houses, that

instead of planting ornamental plants, they

planted okra, eggplant, alogbate, onions,

ampalaya, camote tops and many more.

Thus, the plots made way into a beautiful

garden of Brgy. Libas and a source of

additional food in the kitchen that is

helpful for the community’s health and can

also provide them additional income to the

family.

Every Saturday of the week, the

families showcase their agricultural

produce near the barangay hall. The venue

serves as a flea market wherein people from neighboring barangays and

towns went there to buy. The residents are also regularly taking part in

the town proper’s “tabo-an,” a venue where all goods are brought from

different places of the municipality to be sold there. They gather their

produce and brought to be sold to the people.

The barangay also tapped the help of the municipal agriculture’s

office. The residents were made to understand the concept of growing

healthy vegetables and root crops, aside from growing tilapia and

prawns in the communal ponds. They were also treated to lectures

on how organic fertilizers would be of utmost help to them, since

inorganic fertilizers are expensive; this program advocates the use of

organic fertilizers.

“... source of

additional food

in the kitchen

that is helpful

for their health

and can also

provide them

additional

income to the

family”.

49

For the organizational aspect, one of the secrets of the success

of this program is the periodic prayer meeting they conducted every

week headed by the barangay officials and Gawad Kalinga village

officials. The prayer meeting afterwards serves as the forum wherein

all the members are given their time to share their stories and the

difficulties they may have experienced in his participation in the

program. The barangay officials in turn and the residents themselves

would come up with solution, or would try to resolve the matter right

then and there. The prayer meeting serves mostly two purposes; it does

not only strengthen their faith in God but also makes their relationship

with each other more cohesive.

To ensure the sustainability of the program, every year the

barangay budget has allocated a certain amount intended for the

purchase of vegetable seeds and tools to be used by the residents. Also

part of the sales of the vegetables and tilapia and/or prawns was given

to their Gawad Kalinga village organization

for the purchase of other planting materials.

Aside from that, the program is

already institutionalized by the Office of

the Municipal Agriculturist wherein

regular visits are conducted by

agricultural technicians to this

barangay to conduct more seminars

in order to provide additional inputs to

the farmers. More so, this program is already

included in the budget of the office of the

municipal agriculturist in the Municipal Government in Hinuhangan

ready for replication to the other barangays of the municipality.

“The sense of

volunteerism

stemmed from the

residents’ sense of

ownership and strong

leadership of the

implementers”

50

Judging from the experiences in Brgy. Libas this program

can easily be replicated by other barangays, what they need only are

dedicated barangay and village officials working hand in hand, who

are willing to share their precious time to their constituents, political

will and above all strong faith in God.

Barangay Libas, Hinunangan, Southern LeytePunong Barangay

Documenter:

Contact Information:

51

Brgy. Don Jose, Sta. Rosa City: Livelihood Programs

Brgy. Don Jose, situated at the City of Sta. Rosa, Laguna,

is an urbanized community wherein industrial and commercial

establishments are very visible and cater a lot of job opportunities

among its residents. However, due to the global economic recession

that surmounted for the past years, the workforce in the said industrial

establishment had implications on this. And thus, most of the residents

felt the effect of the said recession.

This is how Barangay Chairman, Hon. Joes Joel L. Aala had

visualized that the unemployed mothers at home can be of help to their

husbands to sustain their family’s need for everyday living. And thus,

livelihood program at Brgy. Don Jose started in September of 2008.

Livelihood opportunity programs are community-based programs

designed to help low-income families start their own business. The

programs are designed not only to provide service or donate materials

but also to empower and encourage local communities to take pride

into their work, to be self-sufficient and to provide for themselves. In

coordination with the CSWD of Sta. Rosa which provided resource

persons of every livelihood program the knowledge they impart to our

residents. Below are some specific livelihood opportunity programs

that empower communities with their work and were taught to the

interested residents who were eager to learn and to earn from it.

52

Different livelihood programs

were conducted such as: chocolate making

program, siopao and puto pao making

program, liquid and powdered soap making

program, processed meat making seminar,

cologne and perfume making program,

reflexology program, fashion accessories

program, cosmetology program, paper

weaving program, and facial and foot spa

program. This was the started Livelihood

Community Based Program at Brgy. Don

Jose. Materials of each programs needed

were provided by the Barangay Chairman

to boost the morale of the residents who

wanted to learn and not to exert money

from their own pocket to be able to start on

their chosen programs.

As the residents of the barangay learned their chosen programs

and ventured on it, success stories of how they earned money and

helped augment family’s income arose. More so, they put up an

organization wherein they will be the resource persons to others

who wanted to learn and earn money through these programs. In a

short span of time, despite the thought of adversities and the “ningas-

cogon” attitude that might take place, stability of the programs and

organization of the livelihood in the barangay is now evident. Not

only they had concentrated on the said programs but fortunately, they

embarked on other programs through their initiatives, knowledge and

“... livelihood

opportunity

programs

that empower

communities...

were taught to

the interested

residents who

were eager to

learn and to

earn from it”.

53

skills on programs that require scrap/ recycled materials to render and

cater other products that can be of use and eco-friendly.

Other programs followed after the first wave of livelihood

programs. The Barangay Chairman initiated a paper charcoal making

program wherein used papers or even dry leaves can be made into

charcoal. This is more affordable and eco-friendly than the usual

charcoals. In order to make use of the papers that are collected from

other households, and instead of using the usual beads that are quite

expensive to use as materials, accessories made out of paper beads was

also the idea of paper beads making program. Tin can of soda were

also made as ashtrays in one of the livelihood programs. Since other

cities/municipalities had adapted the “Balik Bayong Program” where

plastic is strictly prohibited to be of use in commercial establishments,

basket weaving is definitely the in-demand business nowadays. The

said weaved baskets that are being done in the barangay is made out

of scrap materials and was not only made as baskets but moreso as

fashionable bags, purses and among others.

As the Livelihood Organization of Brgy. Don Jose had

ventured into newer heights and progressed, they were invited to attend

symposiums and other trade fairs to sell their products at Enchanted

Kingdom, Nuvali, CCT Tagaytay and City Hall of Santa Rosa. With

these experiences, they were able to sell their products not only for

retailers but moreso, wholesalers that make their business out of the

products.

54

The Livelihood Organization at Brgy. Don Jose has now

gone through greater heights. Though it had been a tough road

that took its toll in stabilizing the organization, through the help of

Barangay Chairman the barangay exerted much effort in making the

organization progressive and indeed, the livelihood programs are not

only visible to the organization but moreover to the mothers that serve

as housekeepers had started it right in their homes.

Barangay Don Jose, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna

Punong Barangay Jose Joel L. AalaDocumenter:

Contact Information: (049) 5410730

55

Believing that education is the best tool for human development

and poverty reduction, the barangay administration of Brgy. Tagapo,

Sta. Rosa, Laguna started off by providing the very basic learning

encounter among pre-schoolers who, due to financial constraints and

remoteness of abode, are unable to enroll at the Brgy. Day Care Center.

Thus, the birth of School on Wheels (SOW), a program which brings

the school to children who cannot come to school. With the help of

the BNS, the BHW and a regular teacher and an aide classes are held

in borrowed multipurpose halls, garage or make-shift tents in four far-

flung areas.

The SOW to REAP aims at human development towards

economic stability via a long term plan of providing opportunity

for early childhood education/daycare exposure among children

of indigent families as their tool for holistic development toward

productive citizenry and a short term plan of information

dissemination on health and, child care and livelihood among their

parents particularly mothers, to provide them with means for self-

reliance and effective parenthood.

The eclectic method of teaching resorted to by Teacher Lea

Alverez allows play-learn activities for the younger set of pupils (3-4

years old) and fand preparatory work for the first time kindergarten

students who are being prepared for admission to grade one of the

following school year, in consonance with the mandatory kindergarten

education of the DEPED.

School on Wheels to Relevant Education Access Program (SOW to REAP)

56

The REAP component of the program benefits the parents

and guardians while the children attend their class. Aside from BNS/

BW who provide the feeding and monitor the weight gain of their

wards, parents and guardians of students benefit from the

routine information dissemination on health and proper

child care. Livelihood lectures and demos are done on

schedule.

The first step is the assessment of locations in

all six puroks of Brgy. Tagapo to identify which

areas have the concentration of families who are

unable to send their children to the Barangay Day Care

Center. In July 2010, with the help of the Barangay Nutrition

Scholars, the enlistments of children aged 3-5 in the area who have not

yet attended the day-care class is made possible. Mrs. Menue Batitis

and Mrs. Priscilla Paradina established the five areas where classes

can be held together with the number of pupils who can avail of the

program, which is a follows:

PUROK PLACE PUPILSPurok 6 – A Ramos Compound 20Purok 6 – B Daang Nia 33Purok 3 Farmview

Subdivision18

- Amihan Village 22Purok 2 Tiongco Subdivision 15

Total: 108

Meanwhile, Barangay Chairman Bartolazo wrote to several

establishments such as SM Foundation, the Scholastic Inc., and

National Bookstore for instructional materials, and the Nestle

Philippines and Monde Nissin for their donation for the feeding

program. For their part, the Library Club formed by several students

“... providing

opportunity

for early

childhood

education”

57

of Holy Rosary College donated notebooks that they recycled from old

materials.

The SOW to REAP is responsive to the present and future needs

of Brgy. Tagapo, a characteristic of good governance.

The project reaches out to indigent families. It brings

the school to those who have no means to come to

school. It provides children with physical, mental, and

social foundation as well as the values and morals of

society needed to prepare them for individual success in

their future life. These children, when further educated

will contribute to the economic wealth, social

prosperity, and political stability of society as they

land in better jobs. Soon they will form the next generation of leaders,

of strong families and a strong community.

Another mark of good governance is the best use of resources

at one’s disposal while meeting the needs of society. As Brgy. Tagapo

addresses the educational needs of its indigents, the Barangay Captain,

a teacher by profession uses her innate and acquired skills in teaching

to man the project. She has also developed a “Notebook Project”

participated in by students of Holy Rosary College. This project

provides the indigents with notebooks gathered from the previous year.

All the blank notebook pages are collected, neatly compiled, and created

into a recycled notebook. For the instructional materials of SOW to

REAP, the participants of the Special Program for Employment of

Students (SPES), are tasked to make handouts, worksheets and other

teaching materials from used folders, cardboards, and cartolinas.

Such noteworthy projects like SOW to REAP have to be

assured of sustainability, thus, the Barangay Chairman resorted to the

following measures: request the Sangguniang Barangay for resolution

“ It brings the

school to those

who have no

means to come

to school”.

58

to increase the allocation for the SOW to REAP; invite volunteers

from among the retired teachers to handle some day-care sessions;

request business entities/companies to include SOW to REAP among

the recipients of their corporate social responsibility benefit; make

a call to all schools within the barangay to replicate the recycling of

notebooks; encourage of summer job student participants to help in

the production of instructional materials; and provide incentives to

parents who show the most dedication and participation in the project.

The decisions were reached and their

implementations are made in accordance with

the prescribed rules and regulations of the

locality. The participants in the SOW to REAP

receive a meager amount of remuneration,

however the sense of fulfillment and civic

responsibility give them the drive to carry on

with their noble task.

Transparency is the basis of good governance

and the first step in fighting corruption. With

clear and attainable objectives, donations

from the industrial and commercial sectors of

the municipality like SM foundation, National Bookstore, Nestle

Philippines, and Monde Nissin are availed. The Scholastic Inc., a

book a company situated outside of the municipality of Sta. Rosa also

donated books realizing the significance of the project. All donation

received whether in cash or kind are readily apparent as the project’s

schedule in teaching the children their ABCs. On the other hand, the

parents and guardians are regularly given ideas on proper childcare and

“... innovative

is the creativity

it has fostered

in the use of

existing resources

to advance the

community and

the quality of life

of its people”.

59

livelihood ideas. Incurred expenses are recorded dutifully and are open

to the public. All donations are properly accounted for and are evident

in the success of the program. There is definitely no mismanaged fund.

The objectives of SOW to REAP may not be the first of its kind

in as much as there are other institutions geared towards the education

of the indigents in other communities. Much more, its innovativeness

may not be in the donations given by the participating enterprises. But

what makes the project innovative is the creativity it has fostered in the

use of existing resources to advance the community and the quality of

life of its people. The creativity appears to be a catalyst in advancing

education of the indigents through the support of students (from Holy

Rosary College) as they are exposed to the reuse of old notebooks; of

summer working students as they are made to busy themselves for a

cause; and the teacher volunteers as they teach not only the pupils, but

also their pupils’ parents and guardians. And in these activities, the

principle of accountability is exercised. The collaborative efforts of the

different participating groups are simply but a response to the needs

of the barangay as initiated by the program. And in the execution of

their response, they benefit the entire community. They become willing

to devote a significant part of themselves to regenerate a part of the

community. As the project enforces its need to achieve its goal and

as the participants perform the delegated duties, accountability of all

parties sink in. The interplay of each party’s contribution spells the

success of the program.

Barangay Tagapo, Santa Rosa City, Laguna

Punong Barangay Marrieta D. BartolazoDocumenter: Concecpcion T. Dimaranan

Contact Information: 09175018158

60

61

62

60

The program was originally designed as an environmental

program to solve the garbage problem in the barangay. However,

the Bags for Life program of Brgy. New Zaniga, Mandaluyong City

proved the Filipino saying “may pera sa basura.” Before the project

was implemented, some of the mothers from the barangay used to

spend hours on “tong-its” or “mah-jong” while their children are in

school or sleeping. Other mothers used to work part time sorting out

charcoal and are paid for doing such for PhP 20.00 per sack. The

D’yario Bagsnot projecrt only cleaned the barangay of its garbage,

but also gave the residents a more productive and income generating

activity.

The project is designed to enable non-working or part-time

working mothers and even fathers become productive members of

the community by affording them with training opportunities in a

newly-conceptualized enterprise that can bring forth economic, social

and environmental benefits. The livelihood project is financed by the

barangay which works like a cooperative. The workers produce the raw

products, the barangay buys these products and the barangay employs

another assembly line of workers to finish the bags. The Livelihood

Directors market the products. Incentives are given to those who can

produce the quota for the week. The Office of the City Mayor orders at

least 10 bags per week as the products are being given out to guests and

visitors.

D’yario Bags: Art of Hope Livelihood Project of Brgy. New Zaniga, Mandaluyong City

61

“... transform

a potential

source of

garbage

and junk –

newspapers –

into beautiful

works of art”.

The project and practice seeks to: (1) develop the individual

through the learning of new skills gained with training in the field

of producing goods; (2) alleviate poverty by affording an avenue to

earn income; (3) enhance economic development in the community

by providing opportunities to make its products become competitive

in any given market; and (4) help in the solid-waste, ecological as well

as environmental management through a recycling process.

The main objectives of the project are: (1) to enable non-

working mothers to take part in acquiring skills through training on a

new concept of making product lines through assembly-line process;

(2) to afford members of this production organization earn decent

and reasonable compensation for their work and involvement in the

enterprise; (3) to instill a new regimen of discipline

in the production line in order to come out with

quality results and products; (4) to bring forth

the products in the open market and make these

competitive products taking into account the quality of

each item with added values of artistic design tacked into each

product; (5) to ensure sustainability of the enterprise with

the advantage that the basic paper materials needed will

never run out of supply; (6) to showcase collaboration

with other institutions, like the Center for Mental

Health, Women‘s Correctional Facility and City

Jail, Churches and Non-government organizations,

by tapping manpower resources therein to contribute valuable work

inputs for each product produced; (7) to help alleviate waste/garbage

problems through the recycling of newspapers, magazines and

telephone directories and (8) transform these recyclable newspapers,

magazines and telephone directories into useful items.

62

Sometime in February of 2011 the D’yario Bag Making was

brought to the attention of PB Edwin Cruz of New Zaniga by his wife,

Liza Cruz, who happened to be the Barangay Nutrition Action Officer

of said barangay. Mrs, Cruz presented the whole project – training

expenses (trainor, kits, materials), duration of the training and the

future of the said livelihood project. The main factor that made PB

Cruz approve the project was the ecological issue in helping solve the

garbage problem. PB Cruz approved the project and appointed Mrs.

Cruz and Ms. Gerlyn Lagleva, NGO of the Barangay, to become the

Livelihood Directors.

The trainer, Ms. Lulu Ocampo, held 15 training sessions for

the project. The graduation ceremony took place towards the end of

March and was graced by Mrs. Alexandria Gonzales, wife of Cong.

Neptali Gonzales as most of the participants were members of the

Green Ladies Movement, the socio-civic arm of Cong. Gonzales.

After which, the project was launched before Mayor and Mrs. Benhur

Abalos during one of the Monday programs at the City Hall.

The D’yario Bag Making is one of the best practices incorporated

in Mandaluyong City’s solid waste management program. Whenever

the City entertains guests who will review their ecological success, PB

Cruz is asked to present the livelihood program. To the amazement

of everyone on how barangay shows how they are able to transform

a potential source of garbage and junk – newspapers – into beautiful

works of art.

The D’yario bag has participated in various trade fairs, notable

of which was the Congressional Spouses’ 3-day Trade Fair at the World

Trade Center. It was featured in July 9, 2011 issue of the Inquirer, and

on November 12, 2011, Mrs. Cruz and Ms. Lagleva were interviewed

63

“...it has

transformed

the lives of

many people...

to become

productive,

meaningful

and filled with

opportunity”.

live on Dr. Carl Balita’s Radyo Negosyo

on GMA 7’s Tele-Radyo.

The D’yario Bag is recognized

by Ms. Menchie Abalos, First Lady of

Mandaluyong City and CNAO, as an

exclusive livelihood program for New

Zaniga. The very reason is so that if the

city needs to order the products, it will

order from Brgy. New Zaniga.

The project has trained 50 people

who made 2,000 pieces of handbags to

date. The project gained PhP 500,000.00 of gross sales. Due to this

program a trained citizen may have an average income of PhP 1,500.00

a week if s/he is able to produce at least 15 bags.

PB Edwin Cruz coined the term “BAGS FOR LIFE” to the

livelihood program. “For Life” because it has transformed the lives of

many people – the workers, the inmates, the Mental Health patients

and wheel chair patients – to become productive, meaningful and filled

with opportunity.

Barangay New Zaniga, Mandaluyong CityPunong Barangay Edwin Cruz

Documenter: Liza CruzContact Information: 5335438/0915771325/09228434898

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Brgy. Holy Spirit was created through Batas Pambansa Blg.

546 enacted on April 10, 1942. The barangay has jurisdiction over 322

hectares of mixed commercial-residential areas. It has 27,000 estimated

household and 130,500 populations of which 46,500 are registered

voters. Its barangay government has a total of 378 personnel employed,

thus, given PhP 43 million as budget. Brgy. Holy Spirit is ranked as

the third largest barangay and recipient of various awards on waste

management, environmental sanitation, peace and order management,

and barangay justice system administration.

To assist the barangay Public Safety Officers working on

24/7 duty, Barangay Chairman Felicito A. Valmocina strengthened

the support groups such as Purok Leaders and Tanods. With the

alarming situation in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City which

is also known as “Killer Highway,” where dangers to motorists and

pedestrian are imminent, and result to deaths, the Mobile Barangay

Public Safety Offices were installed at Commonwealth Avenue – San

Simon – COA overpass approach, BF Road – Batasan Road – Sandigan

overpass approach, Holy Spirit Drive – Ever overpass approach, and

Commonwealth Avenue corner Samonte street.

The Mobile BPSO offices create awareness among illegal

elements and violators, such as reckless drivers, that there are such

monitoring schemes/gadgets within the immediate vicinity. The

pedestrians before the mobile offices’ creation were afraid to use the

overpass due to fear of holdups, and instead take the risk of crossing the

Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City: Mobile Barangay Public Safety Offices

65

“... pedestrians

can have peace of

mind”.

highway that resulted to accidents and deaths.

Today, with the presence of mobile offices

pedestrians are more confident and secured to

use the overpass. These facilities are manned by volunteer

tanods which keep on guard most especially at night time when

criminal elements are most active.

As a result, signs of relief from possible accidents are felt and

pedestrians can have peace of mind using the overpass. The police

force assigned in the area is also happy that they now have partners to

enforce laws on public order and safety in three of the busiest areas of

Quezon City.

These facilities are manned by volunteer tanods who keep on

guard most especially at night time when criminal elements are most

active. As a result, sigh of relief are felt that pedestrian can have peace

of mind. These Mobile Offices were inaugurated with the presence

of Mayor Herbert Bautista expressing appreciation to the initiative of

Holy Spirit leaders.

The BPSO Operated 24 hours daily including Sundays and

Holidays. It is responsible in the apprehension of major offendors

including the interception of almost PhP 600 million worth of shabu

which led to the awarding of a plaque of appreciation by the Philippine

National Police.

Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon CityPunong Barangay Felicito A. Valmocina

Documenter: Juan Jovian IngenieroContact Information: 4411997/ 4308723/ 9279613

66

Brgy. Kauswagan is the third largest barangay in the City of

Cagayan de Oro in terms of area and fifth in terms of income. It is

approximately 2.5 kilometers from the city of Cagayan de Oro. National

Statistics Office showed that Brgy. Kauswagan has a population of

32,720 in August 2007 and with an annual population growth of 2.2

percent it has an estimated population of about 35,500 and has a

household population of about 7000 in 2011.

With the present population and people coming from different

sectors and levels of society there is a need to have an effective system of

handling disputes, should conflict arise between and among individuals

in the community. The Lupong Tagapamayapa created by PD 1508 and

strengthened by RA 7160 was enacted to serve as a vehicle in resolving

disputes at the community; to decongest cases in court and also for

the speedy administration of justice. In order for the administration

of barangay justice to be efficiently and effectively served, the Punong

Barangay of Kauswagan appointed citizens who were willing to serve.

They came from the various sectors and are people known for their

probity, credibility and impartiality. They are retired professionals from

private and or government institutions; such as teachers, executives,

and from the labor and religious sectors, though few are still active in

their profession.

The members of Lupong Tagapamayapa of Brgy. Kauswagan

was constituted by the Punong Barangay as called for in Section 399 (C)

Brgy Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City: “Effective Implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay Program.”

67

of the Local Government Code. The list of the prospective members

of the Lupong Tagapamayapa was posted in three conspicuous places

in Brgy. Kauswagan for a period of three weeks, calling the people to

participate in the selection process by way of giving their opposition

if any from the list and/or recommended any constituent who they

found fit to the task.

After the lapse of three weeks, should there be no opposition

to the proposed appointments, within a period of ten days the

Punong Barangay appoints those in the list he deemed suitable to the

position. The list of appointed members remained posted in the three

conspicuous places in the barangay within the duration of their term

of office.

The proceeding for Amicable Settlement in the Lupong

Tagapamayapa shall be open to the public and informal; provided,

however, under Section 414 also of the LGC the Lupon Chairman or

the Pangkat Chairman, as the case may be, may moto propio or request

of a party, exclude the public from the proceedings in the interest of

privacy, decency or public morals. Aside from this the community

participates through questionnaires asking the disputants as to their

satisfaction in the way their problems are handled by the Pangkat

members. In addition the Sangguniang Barangay in order to expand

the community participation empowered the zone presidents to preside

over insignificant disputes involving residents in the zone. In order to

serve the constituents it also hears cases at the zone where both the

complainants and the respondents reside so that the public may also

observe.

In order to safeguard payment of cases from possible non-

issuance of receipt the Lupon Clerk enters the amount to be paid by

the complainant as advised by the Accounting Clerk. Official receipt

68

“...created

impact on

the life of the

people in the

community

by coexisting

peacefully”

number is then reflected in the Summons or Notice of

Hearing for the signature of the Lupon Chairman.

All payments made by the obligated party

in the Settlement Agreement when it becomes due

and demandable are paid directly to the Office of

the Treasurer with corresponding Acknowledgement

Receipt for safekeeping ready for the aggrieved party to

collect at any time.

From July 2005 to December 2010 or for the

period of five years and a half, there were 2,021 cases filed in the Office

of the Lupong Tagapamayapa. Of the 2,021 cases, 1,739 or 86 percent

were amicably settled and only 280 cases or 14 percent were sent to

court. With the performance of the Lupong Tagapamayapa it can be

seen that it created impact on the life of the people in the community

by coexisting peacefully; their conflicts being settled at the community

level. The members of the conciliating panel also impart virtues to the

disputants during conciliation proceedings. This surely helped reduce

crime rate in the community.

According to Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zunio,

when invited to speak before the Barangay Officials and Lupong

Tagapamayapa at the Provincial Capitol in La Trinidad, Benguet

sometime in November 2006, ordinarily a case filed in court would

cost PhP 9,000.00. If this is the case as the Lupong Tagapamayapa of

Kauswagan had settled 1,739 cases in five and a half years at PhP 9,000

per case then the project saved PhP 15,651,000.00 for the government.

With the foregoing savings had this been given to the local government

of Kauswagan in terms of livelihood project it would have changed the

lives of the people, particularly the marginalized.

69

In order for the present practices of the Lupong Tagapamayapa

of Brgy. Kauswagan to be sustained, the present and previous

administration organized the lupon members into an association. The

fact is that the previous administration had organized the lupon into

Tigpasiugda Alang sa Panaghiusa Ug Kalinaw (TAPUK) translated in

English as Advocates for Unity and Peace. This is an SEC registered

organization which objective is to promote unity and peace among the

people in Brgy. Kauswagan and the barangays in the city of Cagayan

de Oro. It also provides information in Katarungang Pambarangay

Law and Special Laws, such as: RA 9262, RA 7610, and RA 9344.

The present administration under the leadership of Hon. Pedro D.

Balite also organized the present set of Lupong Tagapamayapa into an

association called Kauswagan Lupon Members Association (KALMA)

which by its acronym means “temperance.” The two organizations

will soon work together for a community project that would contribute

to the growth and development not only in Brgy. Kauswagan but also

other barangays in the City of Cagayan de Oro.

In addition, the Lupong Tagapamayapa has its own building

where mediation and conciliation proceedings are held. It also

conducts continuing education in the Katarungang Pambarangay Law

including Conflict Management. To sustain the project the Sangguniang

Barangay of Kauswagan extended financial and moral support and

other incentives to the members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa.

Barangay Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City

Punong Barangay Pedro D. BaliteDocumenter: Hermelando A. Bautista

Contact Information: (088) 8501723/ (08822) 729920

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Katarungang Pambarangay: A viable alternative dispute-resolution mechanism Brgy. Bailan, Pontevedra, Capiz

Brgy. Bailan is one of the 26 barangays in Pontevedra, Capiz.

It is located in the intersection of the present pathway to four major

routes to the towns of Pontevedra, Panitan, Maayon, and President

Roxas. It has an area of 222 hectares, approximately 3 kilometers

from the Poblacion (Town Center). As of 2011, it has an estimated

615 households, with a total population of about 3,985. Because of its

strategic location, it is becoming a progressive place where business,

trade and development are thriving. It has a State University, the Capiz

State University, a District Hospital and Municipal Agriculture Office

of Pontevedra as well as the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office. : The

barangay houses a proliferation of private business establishments

catering not only to Bailanians but also to those who come by from the

neighbouring municipalities as well.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa or Lupon, is a peace-seeking

committee created by law in Barangay Bailan; composed of Punong

barangay as Chairperson of the Lupon and 12 competent community

members (mostly with doctoral degree) selected by the Punong

Barangay, and likewise possess integrity, impartiality, independence of

mind, sense of fairness and reputation for probity.

The Lupong Tagapamayapa or Lupon, loosely translated is

a peace-seeking committee created by law in every barangay. It shall

be composed of Punong Barangay as Chairperson of the Lupon and

71

“... is in

addressing

the right

causes which

translates to

the societal

development

progress”

10 to 20 members which the former shall select

and appoint. The Lupon is selected by the Punong

Barangay.

When the Punong Barangay is unable to settle

a dispute, the case is referred to a panel of three

Lupon Members (the Pangkat) for conciliation or

arbitration. The Pangkat members are selected by

the parties, or if the parties cannot agree, chosen

by lot by the chairman of Lupon. From July 2009

to December 2010, the Lupong Tagapamayapa

received a total of 52 cases which were subjected to

mediation process. All the cases submitted for mediation in

the barangay were 100 percent settled by the Punong Barangay with

the assistance of the Lupon Tagapamayapa using their innovation

techniques and methods practiced in settling disputes in the barangay.

There were no cases put forth in the Lupon that has been repudiated,

dismissed, certified or reoccurred, securing the effectiveness and the

efficiency of the mediation process employed by the barangay.

The Lupon Chairman through the Lupon Secretary, with

the help of the assistant Lupon Secretary should make sure that the

prescribed forms are always available. Katarungan Pambarangay

(K.P.) forms from the filing of the complaints to the time when the

case is filed to the court. All the complaints filed will be properly listed

in the logbook by the Lupon Secretary containing information as to

date of filing the complaint, the case number or docket number, name

and address of the complainant and the respondent, the nature of the

case and date of filing.

72

The members of the Lupon conduct a regular monthly meeting

every last Sunday of the month, to provide a forum for exchange of

ideas among its members and the public on matters relevant to the

amicable settlement of disputes, and to enable various conciliation

panel members to share with one another their observations and

experiences in affecting speedy resolution of disputes. It has its own

separate office for the facility of the cases being mediated, equipped

with a computer unit for the fast and easy reproduction of KP forms.

Transparency is demonstrated by the conduct of Barangay

assembly, pulong-pulong and house visitation. One of the topics tackled

is the Implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay Laws. During

the said assembly, the Barangay Council, presented accomplishment

and financial report, including the donations made by the businessmen,

civil society organizations, peoples’ organizations for the maintenance

of peace and order. Posting of barangay budget and other barangay

financial documents were made in prominent places.

The Lupon, with the help of barangay officials, Tanods and

Purok Leaders distributed flyers and pamphlets of the KP to the people

of the barangay. The Lupon Members assigned to every purok conduct

orientation among their respected puroks about the functions and

processes of the KP Flowcharts in settlement of cases in vernacular

are mounted on the wall for further understanding of the procedures

followed in resolving these cases.

KP trainings initiated and conducted with funding support

from either barangay, city and province, and other agencies. The

following seminars were as follows: implementation of Barangay

Protection Order, R.A. 9262 – Violence Against Women and

Children and R.A. 9344 – Juvenile Justice and Welfare System and

73

Enhancement Training on the KP Laws, Skills on Managing Conflicts

and Orientation on the Use and Filing of the KP Forms.

The major impact of the Brgy. Bailan Lupon Tagapamayapa

is in addressing the right causes which translates to the societal

development progress to with: (1) decreased number of cases filed,

(2) improvement of Peace and Order, (3) economic growth - increase

in number of business establishments provides job opportunities; and

(4) development of people, general attitudes and values, shaping them

into law abiding citizen.

Competent Lupon Members are assigned to their own Purok

to facilitate the quick resolution of cases or disputes that arise in

their own purok. Mediation proceeding are held at the nearest Purok

Centers to facilitate the attendance of both parties.

To sustain the project, higher filing fee is charged in case of

recurrence of cases to be filed. Free service vehicle for the parties to

and from, the venue of settlement to ensure 100 percent attendance

and punctuality of the parties concerned. Relevant government

agencies are being coordinated to help solve the cases being settled by

the Lupon such as DENR, DSWD, DA, DAR and DILG of the like.

The Lupon has initiated their own livelihood projects where

they provided seed money or capital to fish vendors of the barangay.

The Lupon believes in the idea that when the people has an honest

and clean livelihood, this uplifts their way of living which solves some

cases put forth in the Lupon such as non-payment of debts, thefts and

the like.

74

ADOPT A BARANGAY-sisterhood barangay, wherein Brgy.

Bailan conducted coaching hands on training to neighboring barangay

in which criminality and violence is a problem.

Another innovation that the Lupon has implemented is the

Plant a Tree Policy wherein for every settled case, the respondent is

required to a plant a tree. This is done to symbolize their willingness

and desire to change or reform which has helped in maintaining the

zero percent repudiated or recurrent cases. This is also parallel to the

advocacy of the lupon in upholding the clean and green program of the

barangay as well as in helping to minimize global warming.

In 2011, Brgy. Bailan of Pontevedra Capiz was adjudged both as

the Regional and National Champion as the MOST OUTSTANDING

LUPONG TAGAPAMAYAPA for 1st -3rd class municipalities under

the Lupon Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards.

Barangay Bailan, Pontevedra, CapizPunong Barangay Vicente B. Dangan, Jr.

Documenter: Mary Ann D. Bulaqueña

Contact Information: 09399398902/ 09997193355

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Brgy. San Miguel, Lubao, Pampanga takes pride in showcasing

its Materials Recovery Facility. Located at Purok 2 of Brgy. San

Miguel, the said facility is of big help in solving the barangay’s

garbage problems and enhancing the solid waste management in

the barangay. Organic fertilizers and charcoal briquettes are being

done and produced at the MRF. These environmental products were

introduced to the public to create an environmental awareness by

utilizing waste materials to generate a renewable resource. People can

re-vitalize the soil without using commercial fertilizer. The organic

compost is a soil conditioner made from biodegradable agricultural

and household waste, with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous

value, long term effect on soil, plant growth stimulant, renewable

resource and environment-friendly.

From waste to energy products, they can create a good quality

charcoal without cutting a single tree nor a single branch. Charcoal

briquettes are “uling” made from coconut and bamboo wastes: 100

percent organic, renewable resource, burns hotter, lasts longer,

smokeless, and environment-friendly. The importance of these charcoal

briquettes include reduced cutting of wood,

and generation of livelihood for people

and communities willing to produce

the briquettes. It also mitigates carbon

Materials Recovery Facility of Brgy. San Miguel, Lubao, Pampanga

“... resulted to a

cleaner and healthier

environment”.

76

dioxide emission as these briquettes give out a clean flame. It is also an

answer to the LPG crisis.

The barangay officials of San Miguel, headed by Punong

Barangay Angelito Bansil are very eager to sustain this project, with the

yearning to make this project a legacy of the present administration.

The program of segregation and collection has significantly

reduced the volume of garbage in the barangay, which resulted to a

cleaner and healthier environment. The said

program has also opened opportunities for

employment and income like the hiring of

personnel to operate the shredding machines

as well as the briquetting machines. Most

importantly, these activities not only raised

awareness and increased knowledge, but

also changed attitudes and practices. The

people in the community have instilled in

themselves the value of discipline and the

initiative to do their part in making Brgy. San

Miguel a better place to live in.

From wastes, charcoal briquettes or “uling” are made and are

being sold at an affordable price. The proceeds become part of the

income of the barangay. Likewise, the organic fertilizers made from

household wastes are also being sold to farmers at cheaper prices. In

the surroundings of the MRF, different vegetables were also planted,

making use of organic fertilizers which are produced from the MRF.

“... instilled... the

value of discipline

and the initiative

to do their part in

making Barangay

San Miguel a better

place to live in”.

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Some are being sold to the barangay constituents, while some are

being eaten and enjoyed both by the laborers and the barangay officials

themselves. The earnings from these end-products are added to the

payment of salaries and wages of the laborers in the MRF.

Barangay San Miguel, Lubao, PampangaPunong Barangay: Angelito Bansil

Documenter: Wilfredo MallariContact Information: 09287888709/ 09999948676

78

Brgy. San Marcos, Isabela is an eastern village of the town that

has been ravaged by years of undisciplined and uncontrolled dumping

of wastes coming from the different barangays. Roads were made as

drop-off points of sacked waste materials and salvage victims, posting

serious health threats to its community. Moreover, its people have

developed the “I don’t care” attitude, making the task of cleaning up

very near to an unreachable stage.

In 2000, Sangguniang Bayan Member Napoleon Hernandez Jr.

and Liga ng mga Barangay President Alvarado Raiz led the barangay

officials to a history turning trip to Sta. Maria, Bustos, and Angat

towns of Bulacan to observe the pioneering towns in the field of solid

waste disposal. As the barangay officials learned of the mechanized

system employed in the said municipalities, the Isabela Green Ladies

Organization threw their support to a budding solid waste management

program, leading to the creation of an advocacy medium to awaken

the senses of the people in the municipality.

In 2002, Hernandez assumed office as the Barangay Captain

of San Marcos and he continued the campaign on waste management

to his barangay. He launched an extensive information and education

drive to combat the worsening problem on garbage disposal. As a

result, his barangay was adjudged as the provincial champion in the

search for model barangays for solid waste management contest of

then Department of Education Culture and Sports.

From Ugly Duckling to a Beautiful Swan…Barangay San Marcos’ Journey to Ecological Solid Waste Management

79

“... continuing cycle

- a way of life for his

barangay”.

The project aims to make Brgy. San Marcos a garbage – free, safe

haven for its constituents. Harurot, considered one of the devastating

cyclones in decades did not spare the San Marcos, bringing ugly

destruction in the barangay. However, Barangay Captain Hernandez

led the community of San Marcos to rise up to the challenge by turning

the waste generated by the typhoon into something useful for their

solid waste management program. Then after Harurot, everything

went smoothly in the implementation of the program.

Hernandez spearheaded the

campaign on proper waste disposal

through proper identification of wastes

and segregation at source. Today, every

household has its own compost pit while each Purok

maintains their own Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), nursery,

gulayan, herbarium, and hazardous waste vault, a special storage

system to isolate potentially damaging waste materials. Even with the

Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) Act of 2000 employed,

Hernandez led the barangay council in the adoption of more barangay

ordinances on ESWM, putting more specifications and guidelines for

his constituents. Thus, the “no-burning” of waste ordinance is strictly

implemented in this barangay.

Barangay Captain Hernandez initiated the use of different

technologies for compostable wastes which he learned from the

different EWSM Seminars that he attended. The barangay people are

now utilizing the micro-organism called the “Trichoderma”, a bacteria

which hastens the composting of biodegradable wastes, while others

placed the “African Night Crawler”, a species of earthworms, whose

eating habits could turn the waste to fertilizer in shorter period.

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Another innovative approach in Brgy. San Marcos is the

organic pig pen project of the barangay and the Rural Improvement

Club. Instead of the usual cement floor, the pig pens are excavated

one meter deep then filled with a mixture of rice hull (locally known

as ipa), carbonized rice hull, soil and salt. This mixture serves as the

bedding that absorbs the manure as well as the urine of the animals.

It does not exude the familiar foul odor that the community especially

the neighbors would complain about, even if the pigs don’t get bathed

at all throughout their life. The pig pens are not washed at all as the

practice in conventional piggeries. This has become an added attraction

of the barangay and a venue for visitors who are visiting the barangay.

Inspired with the slogan “May Pera sa Basura”, Barangay

Captain Hernandez thought of an income generating project out of

the factory returnable from the MRF. The proceeds from the sales of

recyclable materials are used for loans for the members of the Rural

Improvement Club and other barangay entrepreneurs. Barangay

health worker Emelita Hidalgo loaned from the earnings to augment

her “Dried Tilapia, Adobo Flavor” product. Nelia Pascual and Perlita

Lopez, won the raffle from the earnings of the RIC collection of

recyclables and started their banana chips industry. Mr. Manuel Perez,

meanwhile, has increased his production of tiger grass brooms from

his loaned amount from the earnings of recyclable materials. The

barangay also maintains a fishpond and a gulayan sa barangay, both

are made possible with the revenues from the ESWM program.

One of the plans of Hernandez was to advocate the love for

the environment among children in the barangay. Like a miracle, the

advocacy spread like a wild fire opening acceptance and support for

the ESWM campaign. Junior ESWM Enforcers - a group of young

individuals in the barangay was organized to police their environment.

81

The journey that this barangay took to

emerge from an ugly duckling to a beautiful

swan so to speak is truly inspiring. And

this journey on ESWM does not end on

the feat received by the barangay according

to Hernandez. It must be a continuing

cycle - a way of life for his barangay. It was

indeed an arduous undertaking to make the

barangay a garbage-free, safe haven, but it is

also rewarding to see the results of all uphill

struggles.

This barangay was declared as the National Winner on the 2nd

Nationwide Search for Model Barangays for Eco-Waste Management

System 2006-2007-Category B. The barangay won P500,000.000 from

the said competition. Because of this feat, the residents have also become

more aware in disaster preparedness and management. San Marcos’

was also adjudged as 2nd placer National Gawad Kalasag Award Best

Barangay Disaster Coordinating Council. Also born from the ESWM

program is the zero-rabies program of the barangay, wherein only in

San Marcos where you can’t find any stray dog. The project has also

been replicated by other barangays. In 2006, the barangay grabbed the

1st runner up in the First Municipalwide Search for Model Barangays

and Hall of Fame Award on ESWM implementation in 2007 and 2008.

Barangay San Marcos, San Mateo, IsabelaPunong Barangay: Napoleon M. Hernandez, Jr.

Documenter: Kathleen L. AquinoContact Information: 09175742377/ 09176665563

“ The journey

that this barangay

took to emerged

from an ugly

duckling to a

beautiful swan so

to speak is truly

inspiring”

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Bare and Idle Lot – Now a Barangay Vegetable Garden Nursery

The barangay plant nursery of Brgy. Bantug, Roxas, Isabela

used to be an unproductive lot. The idea of putting up a barangay

nursery sprung out from a vision of converting idle lands in the barangay

into productive lands. Before the project begun, the 300 square meters

idle land – with concrete fence adjacent the barangay hall – had been

an eyesore. Slowly, it became a throwing field of garbage. It started

to occupy a bigger space in the barangay; as it is located along a busy

street, it is noticeable.

This already caught the attention of Punong Barangay Antonio

S. Hui even before elected as the chief executive of the barangay. So

upon his assumption, the conversion of this idle land into something

productive is up on his sleeves. He talked to the owner and laid out

his plan of putting this piece of land into something productive.

Both arrived to ink an agreement between the barangay government

and Mrs. Ligaya Macatuno, a well-known business woman in the

barangay.

Prior to its productive use, several observations were recorded

for the project. Vegetable gardening can rarely be seen among

backyards in the community. A number of malnourished children

were recorded in the barangay day care center. Tanods in their duty

hours sit idly in the barangay government center. These observations

were useful in formulating the project.

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“The

whole system

of feeding the

daycare pupils

came as a

way of life for

them as well

as the parents

who are

commissioned

or scheduled

to do the

cooking.”

The agreement was brought out during the first barangay

assembly called upon immediately after PB Hui has sworn into

office. Barangay Kagawad Magelyn O. Murao, Committee Chair on

Environment discussed lengthily the whole idea.

To become productive and beneficial,

vegetables will be grown in the then idle lot.

Municipal agriculture office will provide the seeds.

The lot shall be maintained by a gardener with the

help of volunteer workers who are on-duty such as

the barangay tanods and barangay health workers

(BHWs). Harvest shall be dependent on the growth

of the vegetables. Mr. Rufino Cabico, a resident of

the said barangay and farmer, will be the caretaker

of the barangay nursery. The method of distributing

vegetables and seedlings will be on a first-come-first-

served basis but importantly, on-the-need basis. The

caretaker will get a copy of the list of the barangay

residents profile as basis for the simple interview, like

how many are th ere in the family of the recipient, as

to determine the volume of vegetables and seedlings

to be disposed off. The quantity of seedlings to be

distributed will be used for family consumption only.

In return, as a matter of showing co-ownership to

the project, there shall be monitoring system to check whether the

seedlings were planted and grown in the backyard of the recipient.

During the conduct of Operation Barangay Linis – a representative

of the household will render or participate in community service in

the barangay nursery either by weeding out grasses or planting new

seedlings.

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As the project is simple it will yield immediately and it will

be greatly free. Everyone can have a glimpse of the project is located

along busy street.

As had been a matter of policy under

PB Hui’s administration, day care pupils of

the barangay freely come to school without

paying any cent. A budget to this effect has been

appropriated in the barangay annual budget.

Even the meal allowances for the pre-school

children are included in the budget as part of the

feeding program of the barangay. Recognizing

the benefits of eating vegetables especially for

growing children, every Wednesday is “gulay day” for daycare pupils.

The meal prepared is made up of vegetables freshly picked from the

vegetable garden. As noted, there were malnourished daycare pupils

during the time PB Hui was still a barangay kagawad. Now that he is

the young punong barangay and adapted the barangay nursery as a

system of the barangay government this problem has been addressed.

The whole system of feeding the daycare pupils came as a way of life

for them as well as the parents who are commissioned or scheduled to

do the cooking.

The greater impact of this project is extended to households

having their share of a vegetable garden in their own backyard. Seeing

the advantages of having their own garden has motivated them to

put up and maintain their own. Aside from the unending increase in

basic commodities nowadays, one’s convenience is also considered.

One can freely pick-up any kind of vegetable he wants for his meal

especially for households still living with their school children.

“... households

having their

share of a

vegetable

garden in their

own backyard.”

85

The project is not a novel idea. In fact, it is one among the

usual project among barangays, but this one is a pioneer activity in the

barangay. A number of vacant/idle lots have now been planted with

anything that can be useful in the neighborhood, mostly vegetables.

And the residents embraced with passion the project as it has been

observed that backyards are now teeming with vegetables.

Before it can reach other barangays for replication, the barangay

has been established in household premises. Majority of the households

in the barangay have their own vegetable garden while others are still

on the process of building their own. Those families without their

gardens yet are the ones catered by the barangay nursery nowadays.

And if there is anything good out from this project is the fact that the

municipal agriculture office runs to the barangay nursery for assistance

in case there no stock of seedlings. This simple project which has

been practiced or can be established in any other barangays, in fact

had reduce poverty among household beneficiaries and contributed to

the healthy lifestyle of everyone and to the overall efforts of human

development.

The barangay nursery has been up for more than one year. It

was conceptualized in December 2010 and from records, harvest is

continuous depending on the growth of the various plants and it is still

producing. It also has benefitted 186 households and counting. It is still

being maintained by Mr. Cabico, who is being paid by the barangay,

as well as the barangay tanods and BHWs as part of their duty. Year-

round, the nursery has been planted with swamp cabbage (pechay),

eggplant (talong), okra and squash (kalabasa). Vegetable vines are also

available such as alugbati, bataw, and sigarilyas. Malunggay trees are

also grown around the corners as they easily grow and mature and

86

have been one of the mostly used ingredients for the feeding program

of the barangay. The nursery also has some fruit-bearing trees such as

mango, jackfruit, guava, and kamias, and herbal plants such as ginger,

oregano, and kutsay which are also for the use of the constituents.

Through the project, Brgy. Bantug became true to its name –

the most famous barangay in the province of Isabela as it is awarded

Outstanding Barangay under the DILG LGU Incentives and Awards

for CY 2011.

Barangay Vegetable Garden NurseryPunong Barangay: Antonio HuiDocumenter: Avonne D. Halago

Contact Information: 0935 249 1158

87

Brgy. Horseshoe is one of the 38 barangays of District IV,

Quezon City. It has 2,200 households and a population of more or less

16,000. Although it has predominantly upper class population, Brgy.

Horseshoe has its share of depressed/ IFS constituents, numbering

about 350 families.

Too much concentration of population in National Capital

Region (NCR) has created a gargantuan garbage disposal problem.

Intense human activities in the NCR also creates wastes that has

become almost unmanageable, thereby creating a strain not only in the

health and safety of the people but also to the financial resources of the

city.

In 2005, Punong Barangay Josefina Ang of Brgy. Horseshoe

envisioned a garbage-free barangay. Setting her vision into motion,

she facilitated a meeting with the of the Homeowners Association,

religious sector, and school and Parents/Teachers Association, in

crafting a Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP). The result was

the 2005-2015 Brgy. Horseshoe Solid Waste Management Program.

The program calls for all residential, institutional, commercial and

industrial establishments to segregate their wastes into four categories:

(1) recyclables, (2) compostable, (3) residuals, and (4) bulky waste.

Initially, residents in the depressed area and in the main road were not

included in the program. However, due to its success, all households in

the barangay are now included in the program.

Brgy. Horseshoe, Quezon City’s Solid Waste Management Program

88

“... envisioned

a garbage-free

barangay”.

A “NO SEGREGATION, NO COLLECTION POLICY”

was strictly imposed by the barangay. The Barangay Solid Waste

Management Committee, in coordination with the Quezon City

Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department,

formulated a system of separate collection for specific type of waste.

Brgy. Horseshoe hired personnel as “Eco-Aide” to perform the

following functions: (1) collect biodegradable and non-biodegradable

wastes for composting, re-using, and recycling; (2) conduct process of

composting; (3) conduct final sorting for re-using and

recycling; and (4) record the daily weights of volumes

of waste materials. For lack of funds to hire sufficient

number of Eco-Aides, the barangay tanods also

doubles as Eco-Aides.

The Barangay Solid Waste Management Board assigned one

personnel per called Street Coordinator, who automatically becomes

a member of the Barangay Solid Waste Management Core Group.

The Street Coordinator was tasked to perform the following functions:

(1) inform the residents on their respective area of responsibilities

regarding the program; (2) monitor and report progress of the program;

and (3) conduct regular meetings.

A memorandum/ communication was issued to all households

of the barangay, commercial and industrial establishments, schools,

churches, hospitals, and public or private markets operating in the

barangay to ensure that they are well-informed of the program. A

barangay vehicle with a public address system keeps reminding all

stakeholders about the program. A community meeting per street or

area was regularly conducted to explain the program and to receive

feedbacks, comments and recommendations from stakeholders.

The Barangay Solid Waste Management Board and members of the

89

Core Group were likewise responsible in disseminating information

materials during small gatherings like birthdays, baptism, etc.

In 2002, the Quezon

City government passed an ordinance

providing for financial incentives for

barangays with successful Barangay Solid Waste

Management Program. Any marked decrease in

garbage hauled by the City’s Environmental Protection and Waste

Management Department is rewarded with financial incentive.

The decrease in the garbage trucks sent to Brgy. Horseshoe

resulted to a likewise continuing increase in financial incentives

awarded to the barangay by the Quezon City Government, from PhP

462,000.00 in 2007 to PhP 500,000.00 in 2010. The neary two million

pesos incentives awarded to the barangay in the past four years was in

turn used to increase the barangay’s social services to their constituents.

Barangay Horseshoe, Quezon CityPunong Barangay: Josefina Ang

Documenter: Contact Information:

“... resulted... continuing

increase in financial

incentives”

90

Brgy. Bagumbuhay is one of the 142 barangays of Quezon City.

It has a total land area of 53.54 hectares and a population of 6,507 as

of August 1, 2007. It is a typical barangay in a highly-urbanized city,

with common problem on pollution and garbage as the barangay is

located in the Central Business District of Quezon City.

Brgy. Bagumbahay’s Ecological Solid Waste Management

Program is recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural

Resources for its commendable waste management program. It was

conceptualized by the barangay’s former Punong Barangay, Raulito

Datiles when he first assumed his post as Punong Barangay in 2002.

Today, as one visits the barangay, one can never imagine that long ago

the barangay has problems on its garbage disposal.

When he started his term as Punong Barangay, PB Datiles

identified the common problems that his constituents want to be

addressed. Through a survey, he found out that solid waste disposal

has been one of the major problems of the area. In order to solve the

problem on waste, the former Punong Barangay embarked on a project

that will seek to address the perennial problem encountered not only in

Brgy. Bagumbuhay but in other barangays as well. He also concluded

that the problem on garbage disposal is not a political problem but a

social problem.

Brgy. Bagumbuhay, Quezon City Experience: Ecological Solid Waste Management Program

91

The former Punong Barangay exerted effort to systematize the

garbage collection. The barangay designated a large drop-off points a

few streets behind a grocery store. Four areas have also been set up as

collection point, and for each area an ecology aide is tasked to manage

the collection of garbage to be likewise transported to the identified

drop-off point. PB Datiles conducted dialogues with the residents to

explain to them that solving the garbage problem is not merely the sole

responsibility of the barangay leaders but rather a collaborative effort of

the barangay residents. He also emphasized that residents play a major

role in the segregation of their wastes. A resident allowed the barangay

to use his vacant lot to build a Materials Recovery Facility

(MRF). It was a 300 sq. meter private lot which was

then full of garbage. To increase barangay residents’

awareness and momentum in the first instance,

barangay tanods were utilized and dispatched to

collect segregated waste from households.

Some of the results of the project are the reduced

volume of waste, and financial savings. With the conceptualization

of Bagumbuhay’s Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Program

that managed both biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes of the

barangay, there was a decrease in the number of trips of garbage truck

made – collecting trash from 10 to 4.5 times a week in 2002. 52 percent

of its wastes did not end up in dump after the successful implementation

of the law. Two years later, garbage collection fell even further to 1.5 trips

a week when the barangay acquired additional composting drums. The

barangay also strictly enforced the policy of segregating wet, dry and

biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes and these were brought

to an ecology center wherein the collected wastes were processed and

recycled. Some of the biodegradable wastes were sold to junk shops,

some were turned into organic outdoor floor tiles and cement blocks,

“... reduced

volume of waste

and financial

savings”.

92

and others were converted to compost fertilizers. The oversupply of

compost fertilizers presented another opportunity for PB Raul Datiles

to begin a new project, the Bagumbuhay Urban Gardening Project

and generated income for the barangay and provided livelihood for its

constituents.

Through a City Ordinance – QC Ordinance No. 1203 which

was launched in 2002, 50 percent of the barangay’s savings through

its waste management program would go directly to the barangay.

In 2006, an incentive rebate from the city government amounting to

PhP 1.2 million was received by the barangay. The cash incentives

from the city government was used to finance the construction of the

barangay hall and its adjacent facilities such as pre-school, a coffee

shop, a fitness gym, multi-purpose covered court, and ecological parks

including a butterfly sanctuary and an aviary. The barangay has also

constructed its composting facility with pulverizer for residual or non-

biodegradable waste and a styrofoam oven which treats and neutralizes

styrofoam products.

Brgy. Bagumbuhay has earned extra income by selling

compost, recyclables and paving tiles. The barangay can produce

about 800-1000 kilos of compost per week and 70-80 percent of their

biodegradable wastes (kitchen wastes) were sold to piggery as food.

The barangay eco-police , who are low ranking and were pootly paid,

are given their share of their income from the scheme. Through the

“Basura Mo, Ipalit Mo,” residents gain certain points every time they

give their biodegradable and recyclable wastes to the eco-aides and

they can exchange their points in the barangay hall for items such as

rice, medicine, and laundry soap, among others. Each household is

given booklets where they record the number of times they redeemed

their points. 30 families from the indigent sector of the barangay have

93

been given job of collecting waste,

cleaning it and cutting it into small

shreds which will be brought to

the barangay and sell it for PhP

25-30 per kilo. The shredded

residual waste is mixed with other

materials for the manufacturing

of tiles.

Barangay personnel overseeing

the collection and facilitation of

Bagumbuhay’s solid waste used

to be hardened drug addicts and

snatchers in the area. Thus, one

can say that the project uplifted the

status of the people in the barangay. A decrease of about 70-75 percent

in the number of health patients suffering from diarrhea, typhoid

fever, and other waste-related diseases after the implementation of the

program in Bagumbuhay was reflected in the report of the barangay

health clinic.

The Brgy. Bagumbuhay Ecological Solid Waste Management

Program can easily be replicated by other barangays or even higher

LGUs in the country. Good governance through transparency and

participatory decision-making and community mobilization can be

an effective means to achieve an efficient solid waste management

program.

To date, Brgy. Bagumbuhay is always being visited by other

barangays and higher LGUs not only in Metro Manila but in other

regions. Almost every day, the barangay proudly welcomes a number

“... transparency

and participatory

decision-making

and community

mobilization can

be an effective

means to achieve

an efficient solid

waste management

program”.

94

of visitors, mostly local officials from other regions, civil society

organizations, other institutions, students, and even media. Former PB

Raul Datiles has also been invited to numerous forums, dialogues and

seminars to share his experience on how he managed to cure urban

blight in Bagumbuhay. The Ecological Solid Waste Management

Program of the barangay has been featured in numerous TV programs

here and abroad. In 2009, PB Raul Datiles was one of the recipients of

the Civil Service Commission’s Lingkod Bayan Award.

Barangay Bagumbuhay, Quezon CityPunong Barangay: Roel T. Golimlim

Documenter: Leah B. PeraltaContact Information: 3877490/4330221

95

Brgy. Philam is a small conspicuous barangay, bounded by

West Avenue and EDSA, founded in April 15, 1955 by the Philippine

American Life Insurance Company with a land area of 45 hectares and

a total population of 6,000. In 1992, before the Payatas tragedy and the

declaration of the Solid Waste Management Act, the Philam Ladies

Auxilliary Brigade acting on mere foresight responded to the worsening

garbage crisis in Quezon City by embarking on a simple but ambitious

plan to encourage residents to segregate bio-degradable waste and non-

biodegradable waste within Philam Homes Subdivision.

In the year 1999 building on the same segregation principles

pursued by PHAI-LAB a Barangay Multi-sectored Solid Waste

Management Committee (SWMC) was formed. Within one year,

the Brgy. Philam MRF was opened (June 2000), uncannily a month

after in July 2000 the Payatas tragedy occurred. In the wake of the

garbage crisis the Barangay Solid Waste Management Committee of

Philam aggressively developed and pursued a program of Solid Waste

Management that to this date now boasts of an estimated 85 percent

compliance.

On October 4, 2002, Brgy. Philam passed Ordinance No. 01-

S-2002 formally creating the Ecological Solid Waste Management

Committee which was chaired by Punong Barangay Jose A. Diaz. This

was followed by the passing of Ordinance No. 02-S-2003 Prohibiting

Indiscriminate Littering and Dumping of Waste. The plan was to

Happy Soil Technology Thrives in Brgy. Philam

96

“... strategy to

help achieve

environmental

sustainability”.

meet the City Government requirements and then lay the groundwork

for the future expansion of Brgy. Philam Solid Waste Management

Programs (SWMP).

The Solid Waste Management Plan was anchored on just

one important mission and this is to achieve important essential solid

waste management goals to help achieve environment sustainability.

The Technical Staff of EPWMD headed by Mr. Manny Rios made

a two-month study of the practice of the generated Solid Waste and

came up jointly with SWMC. The customized scheme on segregation

and proper disposal that fitted the needs of Brgy. Philam.

Before the SWMP was implemented the City Government

dispatched 12 trucks a week to pick up mixed solid waste, now only

six trucks a week are presently dispatched. This significant reduction

resulted to substantial savings by the City Government. To motivate

other LGUs in implementing their own Solid Waste Management

Programs former Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. Passed an ordinance

granting Savings Incentives to deserving barangays.

The SWMP serves as the framework which aims to establish

and implement Brgy. Philam policies for Solid Waste Management

within its jurisdiction. The SWMP also serves as a guide for the

future growth of the Barangay’s Solid Waste Management system

which includes a waste collection and disposal scheme and MRF

or Eco-Center. Waste Segregation, Reuse and Recycling collection

services are implemented for business

establishments and single/multi-family

dwellings (Simut Basura Program and

No Segregation No Collection Program).

Close coordination and participation

of the Philam Homeowner Association

97

“... resulting to

a healthy home

environment and

lesser incidents of

illness”.

is done through Purok Leaders, PHAI Street Sweepers, Barangay

Parks Development and Beautification Personnel and Environmental

Police

The barangay started the operation of

our composting facility using the

Happy Soil Technology with two

Rotary Drum Composters and

one Hammermil in June 2000. To

fully utilize the capacity of the two

composters the SWMC conducted

orientations to homeowners, and residents

and kasambahays to cooperate with the barangay by delivering their

food waste in pails (distributed by the barangay) rather than plastic

bags, preferably everyday and not older than two days to reduce foul

odors generated by spoiled food waste. Due to the increased delivery

of food waste to the facility (especially during the Holiday Season)

the barangay ordered additional composters and at present the facility

employs six composter units. The facility now produces about 12,000

kilos per month of pure organic fertilizer as no soil is used.

MRF/ECO-Center Operations is also called Kitchen Waste

Composting using Happy Soil Technology. This technology is used

to produce pure organic fertilizer. Brgy. Philam follows the following

method: (1) registration, (2) delivery and weighing of food waste, (3)

login of quality and weight of food waste, (4) mixing with coco-dust

and lacto bacilli, (5) hammer-milling of mixed waste with coco-dust

and lacto bacilli, (6) transferring from hammermill to the rotary drum

composter, (7) processing of mixed materials for five days, (8) harvesting

98

“... 85 percent

compliance to

the current

Solid Waste

Management

Scheme that

is being

implemented”.

of finished product, and (9) curing of harvested final product.

The Solid Waste Management Plan describes a strategy to help

achieve environmental sustainability. The plan has two main parts:

the comprehensive plan required by the City Government coordinated

with the EPWMD, and the strict implementation of Brgy. Philam

Solid Waste Management Plan under Barangay Ordinances No. 01-

S-2002 creating the Ecological Solid Waste Management Committee

and Ordinance No. 02-S-2003 Prohibiting Indiscriminate Littering

and Dumping of Waste.

With the daily delivery of foul smelling food waste to the ECO-

Center, the infestation of flies, rats and cockroaches was significantly

decreased, resulting to a healthy home environment

and lesser incidents of illness. The barangay also initiates

activities such as Community Clean-up Days, Park Clean-

Up Day, and distribution of pails and fertilizer to community

members who religiously bring their food waste to the ECO-

Center. The Children’s “Go Green” Club was founded in

March 2009 and has since then sponsored environmental

awareness activities for children 12 years old and

below. To mention one of the activities was the 2010

theme “Earth Day is Everyday” where children were

treated to storytelling, face painting, and competed in a

contest on designing their own Eco-Bag. Back in 2008 the

barangay has also initiated and encouraged barangay residents to limit

their use of plastic and instead use an Eco-Bag when buying items at

the supermarket.

99

The Environmental Protection and Waste Management

Department of Quezon City has conducted training and have

deputized Brgy. Philam BPSO as Environmental Police authorized to

issue violation tickets. With the possibility of facing sanctions from the

City Government barangay residents have religiously complied with

the scheme as well.

To showcase the efficacy of the fertilizer produced at the Eco-

Center the barangay converted several idle areas of the Brgy. Philam

Park into Organic Gardens, the produce form these gardens are

distributed to marginal community helpers such as the sweepers, Eco-

Boys and BPSO or “Tanods.”

The barangay now proudly enjoys about 85 percent compliance

to the current Solid Waste Management Scheme that is being

implemented. In the next five years however, Brgy. Philam hopes to

achieve a higher percentage in compliance.

Barangay Philam, Quezon CityPunong Barangay: Jose A. Diaz

Documenter: Contact Information:

100

Waste and garbage dump could be found anywhere; waterway

was not even spared from the garbage build up. This was a challenge

that was instilled in the hearts of the officials of Brgy. Dalig, Antipolo

City from the very beginning. The barangay implemented RA 9003,

otherwise known as the Ecological Waste Act of 2000 to address the

garbage problem. This National Law was localized through the Dalig

Ecological Solid Waste Management Program (DESWMP).

The Barangay Council pursued a longer vision to waste

reduction through effective and economical elimination of waste.

However, limited resources left many in doubt and considered it an

impossible task. With its intent to resolve this environmental concern,

Brgy. Dalig made every problem an opportunity for improvement and

resorted to plan out and come up with a comprehensive approach for

an efficient and effective waste management and collection.

The general objectives of this program were as follows: (1)

to manage the 20 tons of waste generated everyday; (2) to convert

garbage to an income-generating project of the barangay; (3) to turn

50 percent of garbage into recyclable, 30 percent to compostable and

the remaining 20 percent to residual waste; (4) to educate the people

in managing and reducing domestic waste; (5) to utilize all possible

and available resources; (6) to establish cooperation, linkages and

networks with NGOs, private sector, LGUs and agencies and the

National Government; (7) to institutionalize the Dalig Ecological

Solid Waste Management Program through a barangay ordinance;

Ecological Solid Waste Management Program of Brgy. Dalig, Antipolo City

101

“... The local government

also established linkage

and networking with the

lead groups responsible

for the maintenance of the

environment for financial

and other assistance.

and (8) to create the Barangay

Dalig Solid Waste Management

Committee that will serve as the

technical and implementing arm

of Dalig’s ESWMP.

In 2003, Brgy. Dalig

created the Ecological Solid

Waste Management Committee

through Barangay Ordinance

2003-34a to act as the technical

and implementing arm of the program. Improvised makeshift Material

Recovery Facility (MRF) was constructed through the use of the in-

house personnel and the augmentation of small amount of funds from

the 20 percent development fund of the city. The local government also

established linkage and networking with the lead groups responsible for

the maintenance of the environment for financial and other assistance.

Materials for the said project were acquired by the local

government. One mini dump truck was assigned to the Dalig Solid

Waste Management Services (DSWMS) to service the 1,278 households

participating in Eco-Waste program. Tools for composting such as

mixer/spade, sprayer shredding machine, and grinding machine were

used for the operation. Empty sacks were also used for composting

bio-degradable waste.

Information dissemination about the project was also

launched for the community to learn more about the DSWMS. Gabay

ng Mamayan Action Center (GMAC), the authorized information

assistance of Brgy. Dalig, provided leaflets relating to recycling,

composting and proper disposal of household waste in compliance

with R.A. 9003. Posters on waste segregation were placed in visible

102

“ Educating

the people

increased

awareness and

participation

among

stakeholders.”

places to inform the passers-by. This step was done to make sure that

people and regular pedestrians are informed of the waste management

project. The community was also informed and encouraged to actively

participate in the said program. Brgy. Dalig adopted the theory and

practice published by the RMPFI, where effective enforcement of

Ecological Waste Management must work and satisfy the three basic

requirements namely, persuasion, compulsion and sanction.

The utilization of MRF saved an approximate of three cubic

yards of sanitary landfill space for every ton of garbage converted

to recycled materials. At least 50 percent of garbage collected from

households was brought to the MRF to be treated for recycling, 30

percent underwent composting process, and 20 percent to residual

waste. Starting in their homes, residents learned to segregate their

waste to recyclable, compostable, and residual.

Dalig engaged in the business of Vermi Composting, starting

with two kilos of African Night Crawler and growing them to 60 kilos.

Job opportunities were given to those who are unemployed. Pulverized

plastic bags (sando bags) were utilized to make paving

blocks which were used in the landscaping and

beautification of San Antonio Parish Church in Brgy.

Dalig.

The DESWMP led to the formulation and

enactment of a total of thirteen barangay ordinances

and two city ordinances addressing environmental

issues and concerns. The Barangay Government of

Dalig continually shared its best practice with different

103

barangays in the province, other provinces, and private and public

agencies as the program had been recognized by DENR, EMB and

National Solid Waste Management Commission. While it is important

for the success of any program to have the right structure, strategy and

sufficient budget, the aspect that translates great plans into action is

political will. Dalig officials found out that the solution was not to treat

the problem as a waste but as a resource.

Educating the people increased awareness and participation

among stakeholders by introducing new strategies in waste disposal.

The discipline through awareness and concern for cleanliness and

environmental protection is a lifelong and priceless benefit that cannot

be measured by any amount of money.

To sustain the program, DSWMS expanded its operations

in recycling and composting from a total of 1,278 households to

4,500 households actively participating. The barangay and DSWMS

continued to work closely together and engage in recycling and

composting process that would eventually contribute to the city’s effort

in preserving the environment.

To strengthen the program, the collected garbage was brought,

sorted and recycled at the Dalig MRF. The harmonious partnership

with the Homeowners Association of Maia Alta Subdivision resulted

to the formation of a non-government organization, the “Dalig Solid

Waste Management Services (DSWMS)”. Crown Asia Properties

Inc. donated a 320 square meters of land and through a barangay

resolution, funds in the amount of PhP 1,275,000 was granted by the

City Government for the construction of the expanded MRF in Maia

Alta Subdivision.

104

In this practice, Brgy. Dalig was recognized by National Solid

Waste Commission as a Pioneering Barangay in the privatization of

the Solid Waste Management Program, and by the Rizal Provincial

Government for having the “Best Practice” in the implementation of

Solid Waste Management Program at the Barangay Level last 2009.

Barangay Dalig, Antipolo CityPunong Barangay: Catalino M. Leyva

Documenter: Thelma S. Candare Contact Information: 630 3092

105

Save the Mother Earth Program: Through Proper Solid Waste Management of Brgy. Lingsat, City of San Fernando, La Union

Uncollected solid waste, and esteros and streets with garbage,

these were the common sights in Brgy. Lingsat, San Fernando City,

La Union. This was noticed by the barangay officials, thus inspired

them to come up with a waste management program which caught

the attention of the city and provincial leaders of San Fernando, La

Union.

Brgy. Lingsat is 3 kilometers away from San Fernando City

proper, La Union. It is adjacent to Brgy. Dalumpinas Oeste in the north,

Brgy. Dalumpinas Este in the east, Brgy. Carlatan in the south and the

West Philippine Sea in its west. It has a span of 196.51 hectares of land

area. The main businesses in the barangay consist of construction shops

and services, schools, internet cafes, boarding houses, and apartments.

Brgy. Lingsat launched the “Save the Mother Earth Program”

as compliance to the provisions of the Local Government Code

of 1991 and Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as Solid Waste

Management Act of 2003. The barangay initiated and intensified solid

waste management program that aims to address the problems of the

community on improper waste management and disposal. Along with

its program on solid waste management was the establishment of the

Lingsat Material Recovery Facility (MRF) on February 26, 2004.

The MRF served as the drop-off center for biodegradable and non-

biodegradable waste so that only residual waste shall be disposed to the

106

“... The

barangay

initiated and

intensified

solid waste

management

program

that aims to

address the

problems of the

community on

improper waste

management

and disposal”.

engineered sanitary landfill of the city.

In line with the project, the Sangguniang Barangay enacted

an ordinance requiring all households and establishments for a

segregation-at-source, and the no-segregation-no-collection policy,

imposing penalties for violation. The barangay likewise encouraged

the door-to-door personalized waste collection by volunteers, and

for residents to personally bring their solid waste to the MRF. These

ordinances developed ownership and accountability to the program,

aside from paying a minimal monthly maintenance fee. Brgy. Lingsat

also organized a Solid Waste Management Brigade composed

of the Sangguniang Barangay, Barangay Health Workers,

Sangguniang Kabataan, Waste Collectors, representatives

from Non-Government Organizations and Peoples

Organization, and concerned residents. These groups

were trained on the proper handling and management

of solid wastes, and were responsible for the

intensified information campaign and training of

the residents on solid waste management.

With the favorable response of the

residents, there were a positive turn-out of

collected biodegradable wastes, thus recycling and

composting projects were initiated. The segregated

biodegradable materials collected went directly

to the MRF for composting. The in-house care

taker of the MRF and the eight waste collectors

were then trained on the process of composting

using additives such as chicken manure, saw dust,

carbonized rice hulls and hagonoy (abundant plant

species in the area).

107

The produced soil conditioner, which are certified as fortified by

the Department of Agriculture Field Unit 1, are now being distributed

to residents practicing organic backyard gardening. Soil Conditioner

produced in the MRF also generates income to the barangay. These are

sold during agri-aqua trade fairs and to visitors from as far as Cotabato

City who visit the barangay to learn about their best practice in waste

management. Although income from composting is very minimal, it

encourages the residents to compost and utilize the product.

To further increase and sustain the enthusiasm and participation

of the residents and compliance to the ordinance on segregation-at-

source, Brgy. Lingsat launched an annual “Search for Model Zone

and Model Households Practicing Proper Waste Management and

Recycling.” The search taps the creativity of the residents in coming

up with innovative measures in recycling their solid wastes. More

and more residents were encouraged to engage in backyard gardening

using their composted biodegradable wastes, especially because they

were provided by the barangay with vegetable seeds and seedlings,

thus increasing the food supply of the households and for additional

income in selling their produce. Funds for the purchase of the seeds and

seedlings were sourced out from the sales of the recyclable materials

collected in the MRF.

The uniqueness of the Save the Mother Program Through

Proper Solid Waste Management of Brgy. Lingsat lies on the dedication

and commitment of the leaders and the community to the program.

The program was able to harness not only the internal resources of

the LGU in terms of manpower and support of the stakeholders but

also the support of the City Government. Women’s Groups were

tapped to initiate the cleaning and beautification of the MRF area and

vicinity. Youth organizations were responsible for the cleaning and

108

“... The

uniqueness

... lies on the

dedication and

commitment

of the leaders

and the

community”

beautification of the streets.

The Save the Mother Earth

Program further increased the awareness

of the residents on their responsibility

in the protection of the environment.

Notably, the ordinance on solid waste

management strictly implemented

provided a mandate for the residents

to manage their own solid waste and

voluntarily pay minimal maintenance

fees.

To sustain the program, there is a continuous technical

supervision and financial assistance provided by the city government.

The success of the program has resulted in the clustering of the three

barangays – Barangays Dalumpinas Oeste, Pagdaraoan and Carlatan

for a clustered solid waste management. A joint resolution was then

signed by the barangay officials of the said barangays signifying their

intentions to be clustered in the collection of their solid waste. A

technical working group was created for the clustered barangays with

members coming from the clustered barangays and representative of

the City Mayor. The TWG was created to implement and monitor the

clustering and see its viability for the replication of the other barangays

of the city. With the existing clustering, the City Government of San

Fernando is subsidizing the yearly cost of fuel, and other operating

expenses of the two (2) garbage trucks of Barangay Lingsat which are

being used in the collection of wastes of the 3 baranagys in the amount

of PhP 504,000.00.

109

Aside from the sales of recyclables, the following are the monthly

counterparts from each cluster member: Brgy. Dalumpinas Oeste

(PhP 2,000.00), Brgy. Lingsat (PhP 20,000.00), Brgy. Carlatan (PhP

8,000.00) and Brgy. Pagdaraoan (PhP 5,000). The “counterparting”

scheme provided in the Memorandum of Agreement signed by the

Local Chief Executive of the clustered barangays. The pilot clustering

of the three barangays in coordination with the City Mayor has

considerably taken a leap on the ecological solid waste management

in the City of San Fernando. Today, barangays of the city are now

responsible for the management and collection of their solid waste

through the clustering approach.

The best practices of Brgy. Lingsat have gained local and

national recognition. From its awards as the Provincial and Regional

Nominee in the Lupon Tagapamayapa Incentive Award and award for

being the Most Outstanding Barangay Peace and Order Committee

of the City of San Fernando, Brgy. Lingsat has now continuously

reaped several awards for its program on Save the Mother Earth. In

2008, the barangay was conferred as the Model Barangay with the Best

Sanitation Practice. On the same year, the barangay was conferred

as the National Winner on the 2nd Nationwide Search for Model

Barangays for Eco-Waste Management and eventually for initiating

the cluster approach on solid waste, was also awarded as the best

cluster during the Nationwide Search for Model Barangay for Eco-

Waste Management System.

Barangay Lingsat, City of San Fernando, Province of La UnionPunong Barangay Alejandrino C. Mondina Jr.

Documenter: Angelita R. Gongora Contact Information: (072) 888-6919/ (072) 888-2165 /

19178900573

110

Macasandig is a suburban barangay situated one kilometer

away from the heart of the city. Its eight square kilometers of land area

is home to 3,896 households, various commercial establishments, and

offices from private and government institution. For the past five years,

the barangay registered unprecedented economic growth and increased

in population to a total of estimated 30,000. The volume of garbage

disposed by its populace need an effective Solid Waste Management

Program (SWMP). Hence, the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) was

established in 2008 having Sitio Tibasak as its pilot area and later on

covered the whole barangay in garbage collection.

Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid

Waste Management Act of 2000, requires all government units,

particularly the barangays in the countryside, to undertake a move

in solving the garbage problem. To enforce this, City Ordinance No.

8975-2003 was passed and mandated for the segregation of waste at

source and that waste shall be primarily segregated and managed at

the barangay level according to whether compostable, recyclable or

reusable, with the barangay to promote and encourage the involvement

of non-government organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations

(POs). The barangay, then, organized its Ecological Solid Waste

Management Committee.

Solid Waste Management Program: Brgy. Macasandig, Cagayan De Oro’s Door-to-Door Garbage Collection

111

Despite limited funds, the barangay planned and identified the

site of its MRF. The Barangay Council has negotiated with a charitable

land owner, the Velez Family, who allowed the barangay to lease a

hectare of their land to Sitio Tibasak.

Then, the barangay selected participants to the “Community

Eco –Aid Training Course,” a Solid Waste Management and Urban

Agriculture Seminar at the SEARSOLIN, Xavier University, Cagayan

de Oro City, on July 21-25, 2008. The training was financially supported

by the Ecopolis Program, International Development Research Council

(IDRC) Canada.

For the implementation of the program, the household garbage

is collected by three motorelas and three dump trucks twice a week,

through door-to-door system, and brought to MRF for segregation.

The biodegradable waste is processed to produce Vermi-cast which are

used for the constituents’ vegetable production. Non-biodegradable

wastes are sold to scrap buyers.

Fees from garbage

collection and sales from scraps with

the rest of the income of the barangay

are being reported during the Barangay

Assembly and are posted with detailed

figures in the Barangay Bulletin

Board for general information and

transparency. For the past three years,

a total of PhP 642,565.00, garbage

fees alone, was collected.

“The

constituents are

willing to pay

the garbage fees

considering the

prompt door-

to-door service

of the garbage

collection”.

112

“The

biodegradable

waste is

processed to

produce Vermi-

cast which are

used for the

constituents’

vegetable

production”.

Barangay Ordinance No. 003-Series 2008 was passed

to collect garbage fee of PhP 10.00 per month (PhP 120.00 per

year), per household for the door-to-door garbage collection. All

payments are issued with corresponding official receipts by the

appointed Barangay Cashier. Payments are well documented for

ready reference and to avoid double payment. The constituents are

willing to pay the garbage fees considering the prompt door-to-door

service of the garbage collection.

During the years when the garbage collection was handled

by the City Government, there was no certainty as to the schedule

of the garbage collection. With the implementation of the SWMP

of the barangay, along with its regular door-to-door garbage

collection schedules, the residents are assured

of prompt collection of their wastes. Schedules

were announced through “recoridas,” meetings

and flyers so that the constituents are well-

informed. The sustainability of the prompt

door-to-door garbage collection and the practice

of segregation at source greatly help towards a

pollution-free and odor-free community.

The SWMP has provided an array of

benefits to the people of Brgy. Macasandig.

The biodegradable wastes being processed to

produce Vermi-casts are used for vegetable

production by residents of the barangay. The

Solid Waste Management Program has offered

employment to 10 MRF workers. Apart from

the health and safety of the community, one can say that the project

has greatly benefitted the barangay.

113

The project serves as a model to different sectors outside the

community. In fact, visitors came to see the MRF and observe the

SWMP of the barangay. Some of the visitors were: barangay officials

of Brgy. Lumbia, Pagadian City; Japanese Students from SOKA

University of Tokyo, Japan; Macasindig Elementary School; NSTP

students of Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City; staff of the City

Public Services Office; etc.

The program gave the barangay several citations such as Most

Clean Barangay 2011, by the City Government of Cagayan de Oro;

and Award of Excellence in Local Governance, by DILG.

The program is sustained with the existence of the Ecological

Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003), the Waste

Management Segregation Ordinance of Cagayan de Oro City (City

Ordinance No. 8957-2003), the Barangay Ordinance No. 003-Series of

2008 authorizing a garbage fee of PhP 120.00 per year per household,

and the existence of the MRF and other waste management facilities.

Also, the City Government has recently issued Executive Order No,

076-2011 ordering the creation of Barangay Solid Waste Management

Committee, which Barangay Macasandig already have.

The “Segregation at Source Program” started in December

2011. More information drives will be made for the promotion of the

practice of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” in preparation of the environment

and for sustainable development.

Barangay Macasandig, Cagayan de OroPunong Barangay: Aaron M. Neri

Documenter: Nikko J. Pontipedra & Vilma Uyguangco

Contact Information: (088)8573329/8577837/09059632742

114

Marine Sanctuary of Brgy. Calag-itan, Southern Leyte

Fishing is one of the major sources of income of Brgy. Calag-

itan, Southern Leyte. Residents of the said barangay feared losing

the marine resources because of the rising number of population and

the rampant practice of illegal fishing. After a time, the once simple

anxiety of a few became felt by many as the fish catch declined and

became scarce pushing the local leaders of the barangay to take action.

In the intention of preserving what’s left while enhancing the marine

resources, driven by the distinct Filipino “Bayanihan” spirit, the joint

forces of the barangay officials, residents, and partner institutions

took part in the establishment of the 15.5 hectare Calag-itan Marine

Sanctuary. The said project was conceptualized on November 23, 1999

and is presently benefitting the thousands of residents of Brgy. Calag-

itan, Southern Leyte.

The Calag-itan Marine Sanctuary is an idea initiated by the

local officials of Brgy. Calag-itan, one of the forty barangays of the

Municipality of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. As of 2010, Calag-itan

has a total household number of 267 and a population of 1,106, of

which 40 are registered fisher folks and 255 are registered farmers, who

all enjoy the beneficial returns of the sanctuary. The stakeholders aim

to pursue the project and have it inherited by the future generations.

No further mention of objectives on report.

As they initiated the program, the barangay officials started

by laying the legal grounds for the implementation of the project.

They passed an ordinance establishing the fish sanctuary, including

the delineation of total area of the sanctuary. They then established

115

“... passed

an ordinance

establishing

the fish

sanctuary”

linkages with government and non-government offices with technical

expertise related to the marine life and fishery such as the Municipal

Agriculturist office, BFAR, SLSU, VSU and GTZ/

giz). Then after, the local government barangay held

assemblies, orientations, seminars, and consultation

with the residents. These are hosted to inform and

educate the constituents of the barangay.

Once the program has been prepared, a “Bantay-

Dagat” outpost was established near the sanctuary. The

barangay hired “Bantay-Dagat” personnel that conduct

patrol around the sanctuary round the clock, whole year round.

Strict implementation of the fish sanctuary ordinance including the

implementation of existing fishery laws was performed by the barangay.

Research partners conduct periodic study of the condition of the corals

and number of fishes in the sanctuary. The barangay also conducts

regular consultation of the stakeholders for feedback.

Today, the once barren sea water is now full of blue darling

multi-colored corals and fishes. As of September 2011 survey of BFAR

in this sanctuary ears the following in terms of Catch Per Unit Effort

(CPUE): for net – 7.5 kg of fish per hour; for gill net – 1.1 kg of fish per

hour; for hook and line 0.2 kg fish per hour; and for spear fishing – 0.8

kg of fish per hour. Underwater assessment of the project performed

by BFAR in 2010 showed positive results: from 52.08 percent (2004)

to 70 percent (2010) of the sanctuary area is already covered with hard

corals, this marks a 17.92 percent increase in a span of six years.

There have been recorded 15 families of fish found in the

sanctuary. The bigger fishes are Grouper (Lapu-lapu), Snapper

(Abagauan), Sweetlips (Panapsapan), Rabbit Fish (Bawis), Surgeon

Fish (Mungit), Parrot Fish (Uwapay and Uhawan), King Mackerel

116

“... took full responsibility

of their role in preserving

the environment for their

basic survival and future

security”.

(Tangigi), Caesionide (Solid or Dalagang Bukid) and aquarium

species such as Butterfly, Morest Idol, Angel Fishes, and Damsel fishes

and commercial fishes. Increased number of commercially important

reef associated organism like the cucumber, sea horse, giant clams,

and lobsters. As observed, fishermen’s harvest has increased, thereby

contributed to increase in income.

Believing the importance of mangroves in fish breeding

grounds, the barangay officials, fisher folks and residents of Brgy

Calag-itan started the rehabilitation of the barren half-hectare of the

once-mangrove area located in the fish sanctuary. Today mangroves

sprawl along the coast of the sanctuary. This fish haven has also become

a tourist attraction in the area, especially for fish feeding experience.

Community education on the mutual dependency relationship

between the flora and fauna has gone a long way in the locality.

Residents learned and took full responsibility of their role in preserving

the environment for their basic survival and future security.

The Marine Sanctuary was established after the ratification

of Barangay Resolution No. 8 series of 1999 enacting the Barangay

Ordinance creating the

Calag-itan Fish Sanctuary

and Fishery Reserve Area.

A corresponding Municipal

Resolution No. 289, series of

2000 was consequently passed

approving the aforementioned

barangay resolution. These two local legislative measures

provided for the legal existence of the project and assurance for

continuity and protection. As usually expected, the barangay ordinance

clearly stipulated the parameters governing the marine sanctuary,

117

specifically the penalty section. And for a period of almost 12 years,

this sanctuary is still alive and going strong.

Due to the success of this project, the neighboring Brgy.

Biasong has replicated the project and started to establish their own in

2003. Brgy. Calag-itan also received the Galing Pook Award in 2005

for the Trailblazing Category. This is in recognition of Brgy. Calag-itan

innovated practice where-in the people empowered to manage their

resources.

Barangay Calag-itan, Hinunangan, Southern LeytePunong Barangay: Servillano L. Labrador

Documenter: Joel C. Dagcutan Contact Information: 09125811575

118

Brgy. Francisco Homes Yakal, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

is a relatively small barangay in terms of population and land area.

Just like majority of Local Government Units, Francisco Homes

Yakal used to face the perennial problem on proper waste segregation

disposal.

To finally put an end to this problem, the Barangay Council

implemented the Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP) in

2002 and established the Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Francisco

Homes Yakal, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. They attended series of

orientations and seminars and joined series of Lakbay aral hosted by

the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO). Such

exposure to model LGU’s equipped the barangay officials with the

necessary knowledge to implement the program in their jurisdiction.

Through the able leadership and strong political will of the Punong

Barangay supported by equally strong willed and cooperative

Barangay Kagawads the projects were started. Coupled with the

intense encouragement of the City ENRO, the barangay established

their own Material Recovery Facility (MRF) which reduced the wastes

disposed at the Open Dumpsite of the City. Inspite of the several issues

encountered prior to its implementation, the project is now hailed as

one of the barangay best practices in the province of Bukacan.

Solid Waste Management Program: Brgy. Francisco Homes Yakal, San Jose Del Monte

119

“... installation and

operationalization

of their own

composting

center which

produces organic

fertilizer from

biodegradable

wastes“

The goal of this cooperative translates into the following

specific objectives: to operate its own MRF; training and skills

enhancement of the members regarding

waste recycling; for the cooperative to pay

the garbage collectors or eco aides from its

sales of recycled products and fertilizers and

pay the other administrative costs of the

barangay hall like water and electricity; to

increase the number of regular and associate

members of the cooperative to complement

the operations of Barangay Yakal Solid

Waste Management.

To ensure its success, the

stakeholders of this project acquired

education through on-site visits, conducted

several trainings and workshope for its personal, enacted

legislation, and ensured institutional support. The barangay council

made sure that all their constituents understood the project through a

persuasive Information-Education Campaign.

Presently, 85-90 percent of the population is practicing waste

segregation in their own households. The barangay is also operating

its own Materials Recovery Facility with trained eco-aides. They have

also installed their own Composting Center which produces organic

fertilizer from biodegradable wastes and is sold at PhP 10.00 per kilo.

The Yakal Multi-Purpose Cooperative resulted to

institutionalization of garbage collection four times a week – Tuesdays

for non-biodegradable wastes, Thursdays for biodegradable wastes,

120

Fridays and Saturdays for marketable wastes; and having trained

eco-aides in charge of waste collection and giving the commensurate

amount for marketable wastes collected per household who are

members of the Multi -Purpose Cooperative as their additional capital

contribution.

The cooperative also resulted to the installation and

operationalization of their own composting center which produces

organic fertilizer from biodegradable wastes sold at P25.00 per pack

containing two kilos; production of recycled products like banana

and pineapple vinegars, flowers from candy peel, beads and cassava

chips; organization of the Yakal Multi-purpose cooperative which

aside from its main objective of savings and loan services to members

also supervises the final sorting of non-biodegradable wastes into

hazardous and non-hazardous, recycling of recyclables and marketing

of finished products; and establishment of a functional Food Depot

through availment of a P300,000.00 loan by the Multi-purpose

cooperative from the City loan assistance program paid monthly with

P50,000.00 balance as of today.

The Yakal Multi Purpose Cooperative which was registered

on September 2004 also produces items like banana and pineapple

vinegar, flowers from candy peel, beads and cassava chips. The

cooperative has a total of 442 members, all of whom are barangay

residents. The four eco-aides collect the segregated wastes then

weigh marketable wastes, apply the commensurate amount and add

the amount to the capital share of the owner member. Today, the

Cooperative has a total asset of PhP 849,118.36.

121

Since the implementation of Barangay Yakal Solid Waste

Management program, many LGUs from all over the country had

visited the city with the objective of replicating the two programs

in their respective areas. Further, such good practice received many

awards from the City, Province, Region and National government.

Barangay Francisco Homes Yakal, San Jose del Monte, BulacanPunong Barangay Wiliam DoctoleroDocumenter: Catheirne Manalastas

Contact Information: 09175506530/ 09228957920/ (044) 7961286

122

For the past 30 years, the image of the Maningning Creek

to the minds of the people depicts an image of water lily-infested

water, foul odor creek and even a dumpsite to some. Even with

the Sangguniang Barangay hall just residing beside the creek, past

government officials’ minds were covered with cynicism which in

turn, developed to the feelings of apathy of the people within the

barangay. There had been no serious or sustainable efforts of reviving

the creek, not until the engineer and an environmental advocate

assume the local chief executive post.

According to Chairperson Joselito T. Calderon, the creek

“has been a haven to all in the past 30 plus years. It was where our

mothers used to do their laundry, where our fathers catch fresh water

fishes and where I personally learned how to swim.” These words are

Chairperson Calderon’s inspiration in reimagining the creek, with the

belief that the creek is a clear reflection of the Sangguniang Barangay

in many aspects.

To jumpstart the project, a series of Kapihan were conducted

with the residents near the creek and with some Non-Government

Organizations (NGOs) and People’s Organizations (POs). Kapihan sa

Barangay are literally morning coffee sessions wherein issues within

the barangay are discussed as it also serves to be a venue for public

consultation and community planning. Responding to the call are some

NGOs based in the municipality of Taytay spearheaded by the Center

Brgy Sta. Ana, Taytay Rizal’s Save Maningning Project

123

“With all

these people

working

together,

various ideas

and innovations

had been

created”

for People’s Empowerment and Community Development

(CPECD), the St. Vincent Foundation and the Christian

Foundation for the Children and Aging (CFCA). Various

POs also played a big role as Angat Kalikasan, Lingap Buhay,

Sta. Ana Youth Club, and the Mabuting Taytayeno Movement

participated in the planning of an effective, efficient and

sustainable project. The movement, comprising of

the aforementioned organizations and some other

volunteer students from local schools has now

been named, the “Save Maningning Movement”.

With all these people working together, various ideas and

innovations had been created for the realization of a cleaner and better

Maningning Creek. The Save Maningning Project entails four major

aspects that were considered for the overall development of the creek

which are the: (1) regular clean-up drives together with residents and

organizations; (2) installation of Bokashi balls technology; (3) tree

plantings in areas around the creek; and (4) engineering solutions

The Save Maningning Movement has already initiated four

major clean up drives for the creek in cooperation with the Sangguniang

Barangay. Through this clean up drives, the creek got rid of solid

wastes as volunteers have been able to collect hundreds of kilos of

garbage. An ordinance had also been enacted to prevent people from

throwing garbage to the creek. These clean up drives gathered at least

500 volunteers coming from the movement and some other concerned

citizens and barangay employees.

The Saint Vincent Foundation, an active member of the

movement, had introduced a technology which originated from Japan

and was proven to help in filtrating dirt from the water and for cleaning

124

“... the creek is now

reaping its harvest as

it surprisingly affects

the many facets

of the barangay’s

governance”

the creek in many ways. The Bokashi balls, which are made from clay,

EM solutions and other chemicals, are dropped off the waters after

days of preservation. This technology helps

in filtering dirt in the river and in compacting

the loose soil on the river bed, getting rid

of the “burak” underneath. It also serves as

food to fishes, inviting them to stay around

the area. To date, the Sanguniang Barangay

together with the Movement has been able to

install 1,200 Bokashi balls along the creek.

With the goal of strengthening the river bed and grounds beside

it, the project aims to plant as many bamboo trees possible for the

overall development of the creek. To date the Sangguniang Barangay,

through the donated bamboo tree seedlings of the Laguna Lake

Development Authority, has been able to plant at least 30 bamboos on

the side of the creek and another 30 in areas near the creek. Various

plants and vegetables were also planted in the rip raps, providing food

and livelihood to residents in the area.

Finally, to give the project a sustainable solution, Chairperson

Calderon, a Civil Engineer by profession, had proposed to implement

some engineering solutions for the physical rehabilitation of the creek.

To be able to provide a long term and sustainable solutions to the

creek, Chairperson Calderon proposes the engineering solutions that

will address pertinent problems of the creek. This includes, dredging

of some portions of the creek to prevent flooding in majority of the

streets in the barangay, repair and construction of rip raps, additional

bridges and waterways connections and a Maningning Park that will

add attraction to the site.

125

“... they

recycled to

other useful

products which

now serves

as a source of

income for the

barangay”.

Striking the balance between People’s Development,

Economic Development and Environmental Development has

been the project’s main thrust as adapted from Chair Calderon’s

governance framework. With this in mind, the creek is now

reaping its harvest as it surprisingly affects the many facets of the

barangay’s governance, including its climate change adaptation and

mitigation efforts, good governance initiatives, people’s participation,

economic competitiveness with the end goal of uplifting the lives and

empowering its people.

Since the start of the project, flood has already been reduced

(and even eradicated) in areas near the creek. Children from all around

the municipality now spends time every afternoon catching fishes as

“Martinikos” and “Hitos” are now prevalent. The consultation initiated

by the Sangguniang Barangay and the practice of transparency (in

terms of financial donations on bulletin boards) gained the

trust and participation of the people. The water lilies

collected from the creek also served as livelihood to

some residents as the Sangguniang Barangay bought

water lilies from them for PhP 8 per kilo, on which they

recycled to other useful products which now serves as

a source of income for the barangay.

More importantly, the participation of the

residents near the creek inspires the movement to

continue its effort in reviving the creek. The Department of the

Environment and Natural Resources- Environmental Management

Bureau (DENR-EMB) had also committed to include the creek in

their Adopt-an-Estero project, gaining the pledge and support of some

private entities which include, the Management of SM Malls and of

Parco Taytay branch.

126

Today, the Sanggunian is already

working on the conversion of non-hygienic septic

tanks to a hygienic one in households alongside

the creek. Surprisingly, the cooperation and

participation of these families are outpouring as

they also pledge to do their share in protecting

the creek.

Various local legislations had already

been passed, pledging their support and expressing

their commendations for this initiative. Several

barangays within the municipality had already

been creating their own efforts of cleaning their

creeks, understanding that the clearing of these

waterways should be a collaborative effort.

Barangay Sta. Ana, Taytay, RizalPunong Barangay Joselito T. Calderon

Documenter: John Tobit Cruz Contact Information: 7066332/ 09058741303

“... the

participation

of the

residents ...

inspires the

movement

to continue

its effort in

reviving the

creek”.

127

Brgy. Tagapo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna: Adopt a Lot, Sagip Kalikasan, Sagip Kabuhayan

The fast-paced urbanization turned the rice fields of Sta. Rosa

into factories for manufacturing. In line with these industrial changes

other fields were turned in to subdivisions and villages. Some of these

subdivisions reside in Brgy. Tagapo. As the number of subdivisions

rises more lots are left vacant because some lots have not been bought

or have not had any house built on yet.

There is a great number of unoccupied lots in Brgy. Tagapo,

thus, people were encouraged to throw their garbage on these vacant

lots. Because of such actions, stray animals tend to play with the

garbage and insects tend to infest the garbage filled vacant lots. The

said activity made the community members, especially the children,

vulnerable to diseases such as dengue.

Due to the emerging problem, the barangay came up with

Adopt a Lot, Sagip Kalikasan, Sagip Kabuhayan. This project aims to

promote care for the environment and the health of the constituents. It

also aims to introduce income generating activities for the members of

the community.

The barangay formed an independent group to head the

program. The GREENREVS is the committee formed to coordinate

with the barangay and head the Adopt a Lot, Sagip Kalikasan, Sagip

Kabuhayan project. An ordinance was passed for the legality of the

project. Then, the vacant lot owners were consulted about the status

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of their land. The constituents were also

given education on the health risk of

their current practice.

The barangay encouraged community

participation for the project. In fact, in

2009 there were 46 participants coming

from the residents, Home Owners and

POs. Linkages were also formed through this project as the barangay

received support from CENR, DA, CHO, Toyota and SM Malls. These

linkages supported the project in terms of education and material

needs such as tools and seedlings.

The constituents became more engaged as the project was

launched as a competition. More people joined the program. Thus the

barangay also introduced the organic means of planting. The program

ran for a whole year. Different activities such as monitoring, evaluation

and educational forums were done to keep the program running. The

objective of the barangay for such activities is to instill the program to

the stakeholders lives and make it part of their schedule.

A Materials Recovery Faciity (MRF) was also acquired. The

MRF produces the organic fertilizers from the compostable waste that

the community brings in. From this facility, the barangay was able to

produce organic fertilizers that the constituents use and sell as well.

Due to its successful implementation, the community received

the program well. In fact it was re-launched on February 10, 2011

and have recieved greater acceptance from the constituents. From 46

participants almost doubled to 83. 20,000 sqm of vacant land has been

turned to a vegetable garden that uses compost fertilizer. In fact, the

program has contributed to the government’s feeding total with 5,708

“... promote

care for the

environment and

the health of the

constituents”.

129

pieces of cocorbit and fruit bearing, 5,286 kilos of leafy vegetables and

2,880 bundles of vine vegetables.

Good governance has helped in the implementation of the

project. Despite the urbanization, Brgy. Tagapo has become a site for

organic farming. The community recieved citations for Adopt a Lot,

Sagip Kalikasan, Sagip Kabuhayan. They received City level 1st place,

Pinaka sa Sakahan ng Masa Contest in 2009 and 2010; Best Model

Farm in 2009 and 2010; Hero of the Environment Award 2011; and

other citations. Recently, the City of Sta. Rosa received a First Crown

Maintenance Award from the 2011 National Nutrition Awarding

Ceremony on October 25 for the said project and School on Wheels,

both brought by Brgy. Tagapo.

Barangay Tagapo, City of Santa Rosa, LagunaPunong Barangay Marietta D. Bartolazo

Documenter: Joey Mejino Contact Information: 09175018158/ 09209253795

130

Brgy. Tagabase is a river-bound barangay, which has a land

area of 1,200.78 hectares. It has a total population of 835, with

119 households. Currently, the barangay has an Internal Revenue

Allotment (IRA) of Php 713,574, of which the barangay funds its

priority projects namely: water system, health and sanitation, Gawad

Pangulo sa Kapaligiran implementation, and Proper Solid Waste

Management Program. Tagabase can be reached through a pump

boat passing the Ojot River or via an all weather road through jeepney

or a motorcycle. Though it is a remote barangay with a 14 kilometer

distance from the town proper, Brgy. Tagabase is one of the cleanest,

greenest and disciplined barangays in the Municipality of Esperanza.

Environmental governance being one of the thrusts of the

barangay government, different projects was undertaken and much

effort was invested towards this direction. Because of limited funds,

activities that involve active community participation and cooperation

that don’t need big budget became the backbone of program

implementation.

Guided by National laws such as PD 856 (Sanitation Code),

the local Sanggunian passed ordinances that would facilitate the

implementation of a comprehensive environmental program. The

Barangay Solid Waste Management Plan (BSWMP) was crafted on

August 5, 2010. Committees were organized for specific purposes;

one of these is the Barangay Ecological Solid Waste Management

Brgy. Tagabase, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur: Best Sanitation Practice

131

Committee (BESWMC) which is tasked to oversee the implementation

of the Proper Solid Waste Management Program. A Clean and Green

Taskforce which is an enforcing body of the Solid Waste Management

Program was also created.

Consistent with the R. A. 9003, the residents of the barangay

has been practicing segregation at waste. Every household has separate

and labeled garbage receptacles. The policy

on anti-littering and no open burning of

garbage is being strictly enforced in the barangay.

Compost pit is a requisite in every household. The

BSWMP made possible the construction of the two

barangay Material Recovery Facility (MRF) that serve

as storage areas for recyclable waste. Income generated

from the recyclable waste served as additional funds for

the barangay. However, only a few recyclable wastes

can be generated from the MRF because of

the aggressive advocacy that made household

members aware of the possible income to

be earned from recyclable materials. Due to

inaccessibility from the town proper, (two rivers,

the Agusan and Ojot Rivers have to be crossed before

reaching the barangay) collection of residual waste or

the non-biodegradable waste is not feasible. To address

this problem, the barangay designated a portion of the

barangay site, which is far from the community and the

bodies of water, to serve as containment area.

The BESWMC and the Clean and Green

taskforce assist the Municipal Clean and Green Taskforce

in the monitoring of violations against municipal ordinances

“The intensive

information and

communication

campaign

conducted by

the barangay

government and

other volunteers

paved the way to

a well informed

community

of people

who actively

participate

and support

government

programs”.

132

and conduct regular household inspections. First offenders are issued

with the 1st citation ticket which serves as a warning and violators

will then have to undergo an orientation on the program. A better

comprehension of the solid waste program is the goal rather than the

imposition of penalties. Repeat violators are imposed with penalty in

the amount of 200 pesos.

With regards to the Sanitation Program,

massive information and education campaign

towards the importance of the use of sanitary toilets

was conducted. Since the barangay is surrounded

by rivers, the residents before did not feel the need

for sanitary toilets, opting to use the Ojot River

for their bowel movement. However, due to the

strong advocacy of barangay officials and volunteer

workers, the residents adopted the norms. They

choose to use what is called a “Batang seal” locally

known as “antipolo” for convenience as these involve

easy flushing. Moreover, many could not afford to

buy a water sealed toilet bowl. The barangay then

took the initiative to make water sealed toilet bowls

and distributed these to the indigents for free, to

ensure that every households will have sanitary

toilets. This effort, along with Barangay Ordinance

No. 05 of 2010 penalizes households with no

sanitary toilets and the “Zero No Toilet” resulted

to the 100 percent households with sanitary toilets.

In addition, a public toilet was constructed for use

especially during special occasions with big crowds.

“ The firm

commitment of

the leaders in

the barangay,

active

community

participation,

capable

technical

assistance...

paved the way

to a strong

and successful

environmental

governance”.

133

On the Greening Program, Brgy. Tagabase exerted efforts to

keep the barangay. The utility worker of the barangay is designated

with the grass cutting duties within the perimeter of the barangay and

the tree lined thourough fare (from tree planting activity). To sustain

the communal garden and the cleanliness of

public places, each kagawad donated from their

honorarium for the salary of an additional utility

worker. This was agreed upon by the council. Per

agreement also during the barangay assembly, the

community conducted a regular general “pahina”

every after 1st Saturday of the month after the

regular purok meeting. From the start until the

present, there is always a 100 percent attendance

to this activity not just because of the penalty

of PhP 50 pesos that will be imposed on non-

attending residents but moreso because everyone

is motivated to contribute in maintaining a clean,

healthy and ecologically balanced environment.

In addition to the combined efforts of the community in

making the barangay clean and green, the Local Government Unit

of Esperanza also distributed subsidized vegetable seeds to every

household with malnourished children. The community espouses the

principles of FAITH (Food Always in the Home) and all households

are encouraged to have their own backyard gardens, both vegetable

and herbal gardens. Aside from these, the community is also motivated

to have their own flower gardens and fenced areas for beautification

and security purposes. This is supported by Barangay Ordinance No.

5 series of 2010 (Good Health and Sanitation). Violators are subject to

“... the

community is

also motivated

to have their

own flower

gardens and

fenced areas for

beautification

and security

purposes”.

134

a penalty not exceeding the amount of PhP 500 for the 3rd or habitual

offenders. Monitoring on the compliance to the said ordinance is done

through a quarterly evaluation by the barangay health workers.

All these endeavors collectively led to a change in the behavior

of the Tagabasehanons. The intensive information and communication

campaign conducted by the barangay government and other volunteers

paved the way to a well informed community of people who actively

participate and support government programs.

Because of a well implemented environmental program, there

is an evident decrease in the prevalence of illnesses in the barangay.

The declining rate of health illnesses brought about by improper health

and environmental sanitation, was recognized by the Department of

Health (DOH) as evidenced by being adjudged No. 1 in Caraga Region

in the Search for Barangays with Best Sanitation Practices and No. 7

in the National Search for Barangays with Best Sanitation Practices

(National Level). Brgy. Tagabase was also heralded by the Provincial

Government of Agusan del Sur thru its GPK Program as 2nd Placer

Cleanest and Greenest Barangay of the Province.

The firm commitment of the leaders in the barangay, active

community participation, capable technical assistance from the

MENRO, MHU and DILG and the system of giving incentives to

exemplary implementors balanced by strict enforcement of legislation

paved the way to a strong and successful environmental governance.

Barangay Tagabase, Esperanza, Agusan del SurPunong Barangay Editha C. Seraspe

Documenter: Latiffah M. Medalla Contact Information: 09474438523

136